25 Interesting Facts About Iceland

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Fascinating Facts About Iceland

Iceland Facts

If you’re looking for cool facts about Iceland, you won’t believe some of this stuff! Did you know Icelanders leave their babies outside, they like to eat rotten sharks, and there’s an app to prevent dating your cousin?

Tourism has exploded recently, and the Nordic island country of Iceland now entertains more than 2 million visitors annually.

But there are many other fascinating facts about Iceland to discover too. Here are 25 interesting things about the Land of Fire and Ice that you may not have known before! Plus some general information that can be useful for planning a trip.

Feel free to share these facts at your next cocktail party, to make you look smart.

Intriguing Facts About Iceland

1. There Aren’t Many People

If you’re like me, you love traveling to places that aren’t overly crowded. Iceland is definitely good for this, as long as you steer clear of the Reykjavik area. The population of Iceland is only 339,462, with more than a third of those people living in the capital city. Iceland is almost the size of Kentucky, which has 4.4 million residents. (Source: WorldOMeters)

2. Iceland Is An Eco-Friendly Country

I was very impressed to learn that the vast majority of Iceland’s power supply comes from geothermal and hydro energy. In other words, this is a country that has clean power and a small carbon footprint. Iceland’s scientists are currently working on a way to harness more geothermal energy as part of a plan that could change the entire world. (Source: Time Magazine)

3. They Believe In Elves & Trolls

Surveys indicate that 54.4 percent of the nation believes in the existence of invisible elves & trolls, with many others being at least open to the possibility. I didn’t see any evidence of these creatures during my trip to Iceland, but you never know what you might find. (Source: The Atlantic)

4. McDonald’s Doesn’t Exist In Iceland

Once upon a time, you could dine at one of Iceland’s few McDonald’s restaurants. This changed in 2009, and the Golden Arches don’t appear set to make a return at any point in the near future. I was pleased by this fact, but don’t worry; there are several other fast food chains in Iceland. (Source: The Reykjavik Grapevine)

5. Iceland Is One Of The Safest Countries

Coming from the U.S., I was pleasantly surprised by how rare violent crimes are in Iceland. How rare, you ask? The country was completed rocked by an unprecedented number of murders in 2017: four. In a typical year, there’s an average of 1.6 murders and a very low instance of other violent or drug-related crimes. (Source: The Guardian)

6. Only 2 Percent of the Country is Forestland

This interesting fact is also one of the few things about Iceland that’s not idyllic. Before the Vikings plundered Iceland, 40 percent of the nation was covered in trees. Now, that number is only 2 percent, although reforestation efforts are underway. (Source: Treehugger)

7. There Are 30 Active Volcanoes

I’m fascinated by volcanoes and was excited to see some of them during my trip to Iceland. There are approximately 130 total volcanoes, and 30 of them are active. Scientists have gotten so good at predicting volcanic eruptions that the risk to residents and tourists is minimal. (Source: Guide to Iceland)

8. Iceland Is Mosquito-Free!

Mosquitoes can make life miserable at times in the U.S., so I was thrilled to find out that Iceland is one of the world’s few mosquito-free environments. No matter what time of year you visit, you won’t have to worry about these pests. It’s surprising that the population of Iceland isn’t higher for this one reason alone. (Source: The New York Times)

9. Icelanders Love Books

I’m a big reader and felt very welcome in Iceland as a result. The country loves books so much that they celebrate every December with the Christmas Book Flood. It’s traditional for families to exchange books and spend most of Christmas reading them. (Source: NPR)

10. There Are No Traditional Last Names

When a child is born in Iceland, they don’t get the same last name as either of their parents. Instead, their last name is derived from their father or mother’s first name. Musician Björk provides us with a good example. Her father’s first name is Guðmundur. Björk’s full name is Björk Guðmundsdottir, which means daughter of Guðmundur. (Source: Culture Trip)

11. Hollywood Movies Are Very Popular

When I wanted a taste of American life, I simply had to go to the movies. Icelanders love Hollywood films, which makes it easy to find several popular movies at every theater. (Source: Iceland Magazine)

12. Iceland Is An Egalitarian Society

Iceland takes the idea of equality very seriously. It’s considered to be the most feminist country in the world and also has a long history of being very accepting of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, only 3 percent of the country falls outside the middle class. (Source: The Guardian)

13. Temperatures Are Usually Mild

I don’t like spending a lot of time in the heat. Iceland was a perfect choice for summertime travel as the average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The overnight average summer low is 44 degrees, so it never gets too cold, either. (Source: Weather Spark)

14. Babies Nap Outside Alone

You probably won’t have to worry about listening to a baby cry inside any restaurants in Iceland. It shocked me at first, but it’s a common practice to leave babies outside in their strollers. You’ll see this all over the country, including after the temperature drops below freezing. (Source: The Reykjavik Grapevine)

15. People Swim Outside In The Winter

One thing that’s really useful about having geothermal water is that you can go swimming no matter how cold it is outside. There are also outside hot tubs that maintain a temperature of at least 86 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. (Source: Culture Trip)

16. You Can Visit A Very Odd Museum

Before I went to Iceland, I’d never imagined that there would be an entire museum dedicated to penises. Even odder, the collection of 0 penises on display at the Phallological Museum supposedly includes specimens from mythological creatures such as trolls. (Source: Slate)

17. There Are No Trains In Iceland

Travelers are often used to riding the rails, but that’s not going to happen in Iceland. Because the country doesn’t have a public railway, I had to rely on taxis, planes and buses. Be sure to book taxis in advance whenever possible. (Source: Lonely Planet)

18. Homemade Ice Cream Is Everywhere

Iceland’s unofficial national sweet treat is definitely ice cream. People wait in long lines for it daily, regardless of weather conditions. After trying some of their homemade ice cream, I can see why; it’s delicious! (Source: Nordic Visitor)

19. Iceland Once Hunted Male Witches

Iceland may seem idyllic in many ways, but the country does have a dark history. Just like the U.S. and many parts of Europe, Iceland went through a period of witch hunts from 1654 to 1690. Only one woman was prosecuted as a witch during this time because men were the primary targets. (Source: What’s On)

20. Iceland Elected The First Female President

As previously mentioned, Iceland leads the world in feminism. Unsurprisingly, the country was also the first to elect a female president. Icelanders also elected an openly gay woman as their prime minister in 2009. (Source: The Guardian)

21. Iceland Is A Youngster

In terms of landform, Iceland is the world’s youngest country. Going along with this fact, Iceland was also the last European nation to be settled. However, don’t be fooled by Iceland’s youthfulness as it’s still approximately 25 million years old. (Source: Go Icelandic)

22. Most Of The Country Is Uninhabited

Due to Iceland’s unique topography, only 20 percent of it is actually inhabited. Many of the uninhabited areas can be visited, but I highly recommend registering your plans with ICE-SAR first. This is the best way to get help if something goes wrong. (Source: Island.is)

23. Iceland Has No Military

Iceland doesn’t have a military and has only fought in one conflict. The Cod Wars were a power struggle with Great Britain for exclusive fishing rights to the water within 0 miles of Iceland’s shoreline. Iceland won after attacking their enemy’s fishing nets with scissors. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

24. Icelandic Students Learn Three Languages

Icelandic students are taught their native language, along with English and Dutch. It’s estimated that at least 80 percent of young students can understand basic English, and some people claim that as many as 98 percent of adults are fluent in multiple languages. I had no problems communicating with everyone I encountered in Iceland. (Source: Statistics Ireland)

25. There’s An App To Prevent Dating Your Cousin

Because Iceland’s population is so small, there’s a slight issue with everyone being related. This can be a problem in the local dating scene. So there’s a smartphone app called Íslendinga-App that lets Icelanders check if they are related or not. The company’s slogan is “Bump the app before you bump in bed.” I thought this was pretty funny! (Source: MentalFloss)

No matter what you’re interested in, you’re likely to find it in Iceland. The stargazing is breathtaking, the local cuisine is unusual and locals are often happy to share one of the area’s entertaining legends and myths.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Hiking Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area (Icelandic Highlands)

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Kerlingarfoll Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland

Deep within Iceland’s central highlands, Kerlingarfjöll is a group of small geothermically active and rust-colored mountains capped with snow. Here’s how to organize your own self-drive adventure.

Kerlingarfjöll is a lesser-known day-hiking experience not too far away from Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route. It was one of my favorite stops in Iceland!

If you want to get off the beaten path a bit and extend your Golden Circle trip with something more adventurous, this strange geothermal area is the perfect place to stop for a half-day hiking trip (and maybe spend the night).

In this travel guide you’ll learn tips for visiting this unique and photogenic spot.

Exploring Iceland’s Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area

Hiking the Strange Volcanic Formations

Exploring Hveradalir Geothermal Area

Some of the summits in Kerlingarfjoll are covered in snow year-round, like Fannborg and Snækollur. In fact, at one time there was a ski-lift, but as global temperatures warmed they removed it due to lack of snow.

I spent about 4 hours hiking around and photographing the Hveradalir geothermal area of Kerlingarfjoll after camping out in their campground the night before.

Walking through thick steam clouds pouring from fumaroles, and hiking up its muddy orange slopes, I felt like an astronaut exploring another planet!

More visitors showed up later in the day, but I initially had it all to myself.

Travel Photography from Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Trails

Kerlingarfjoll is crisscrossed with different marked and unmarked hiking trails. You can spend a few hours, or a few days trekking through this wild Icelandic landscape.

Hringbrautin Ring Route – This is a full 3-day trek that takes you to every nook & cranny of Kerlingarfjoll. With two mountain huts along the way, there’s no need to pack a tent.

Austurfjoll Peaks – A tough 5-6 hour hike over all the highest mountains in Kerlingarfjoll, including the highest called Snaekollur at 1,428m.

Hveradalir Walk – The standard 2-3 hour walk through the geothermal area of Hveradalir. Steam vents and hot springs, with optional hikes up a few mountains.

Walking Into the Geothermal Steam

Can You Spot Me?

Boiling Mud Pots

Myth Of The Troll Woman

The mountains of Kerlingarfjöll were once considered a refuge for outlaws and trolls. The weather here is notoriously bad — it can be very cloudy and windy.

The whole place is basically a big volcanic caldera, created by eruptions from a time when there were still glaciers of ice above it.

Icelandic legends tell the tale of Kerling, an old hag troll woman who was the daughter of the fire giant Surtur.

One day she didn’t make it home in time before the sunrise and was turned to stone by sunlight. If you look carefully, might spot her 30-meter tall stone pillar…

Driving Iceland’s F-Roads

Getting To Kerlingarfjöll

Because it’s located in the highlands, Kerlingarfjoll can only be reached by driving on Iceland’s notorious “F-Roads”. The F-Roads are essentially rough jeep trails that weave through the remote center of the country.

These gravel tracks aren’t really maintained and close down for the winter in late September or early October (after the first snow) until June. So hiking Kerlingarfjoll is a summer adventure.

Some F-Roads are more hardcore than others, requiring you to drive through rivers with no bridges. Luckily F-35 Kjölur, the road to reach Kerlingarfjoll, isn’t too difficult.

A 4X4 vehicle is required for all mountain roads in Iceland though, 2WD rental cars are not insured here because conditions are extreme (snow, ice, mud, sand, rivers, etc.)

Golden Circle Extension

From Gullfoss Waterfall the drive up F-35 to Kerlingarfjöll takes 2-3 hours, depending on how rugged your vehicle is. The road can get very rough in some spots. It’s also possible to get here from the town of Blönduós in the North.

Iceland’s highlands are no joke, and you need to be prepared with food, water, a full tank of gas, and warm clothing should you break down.

If you decide to add Kerlingarfjöll to the typical Golden Circle stops, you’ll need to spend the night there and drive back the next day. There’s no way you could do all of it and get back to Reykjavik the same day.

Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Resort & Camping

Where To Stay At Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjoll has a small resort with 20 double rooms and 10 smaller individual cabins and A-frames that you can rent out for the night.

This backcountry lodge has hot showers available (on a timer), bathrooms, a small shop, and a restaurant. There’s also a campground here, which is what I did. It costs 2000 ISK ($16 USD) per person to camp with your own tent.

From the cabins, you can follow a path beside the river leading to a nice little hot spring pool that’s safe to swim in. It takes about 30 minutes to get there on foot.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Best Of Havana: What To Do In Cuba’s Capital City

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Best Things to do in Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

The vibrant capital city of Havana, Cuba has long been inaccessible to American travelers, but thankfully this is no longer the case. Here are some of my favorite things to do in the City of Columns!

In recent years, Cuba has seen major changes and opened its doors to visitors. More and more American’s are now visiting Cuba than ever before, and tourism has been on the rise — for good reason!

Only an hour away from Miami by plane, Havana is a majestic blend of old and new, vintage cars and colorful, often crumbling infrastructure; its energy pulses with a vibrant mix of Spanish colonial architecture, booming nightlife and kitschy art galleries.

For a small city, Havana seems to have an endless list of things to do catering to every kind of traveler. Maybe you’re a cigar aficionado or simply looking for some R&R, Havana has something to offer everyone.

Best Things To Do In Havana

After spending some time in the capital city during my road trip around Cuba, I wanted to put together a comprehensive travel guide to Havana that would help you plan your own journey.

This is part of what makes Havana unique and what captivated me in particular — the sense that there is always something more to uncover around every corner.

Whether it’s a sultry salsa performance or hidden bar tucked away behind the narrow streets of a colorful neighborhood — you’ll never get bored of things to do!

Visit El Morro Castle

Cuba’s Pirate Protection

El Morro Castle, otherwise known as “Castillo del Morro”, is a great starting point once you arrive in Havana. It’s situated on top of a rocky promontory at the entrance of Havana’s bay—it can’t be missed! It’s a massive fort with an equally impressive history.

The castle was built starting in 1590 to protect Havana against military attacks, and also served as a watch post to keep an eye out for enemies (like pirates!). It is composed of 3 bastions linked by curtain walls, casemented barracks and also houses cisterns, a chapel, officer’s quarters, a wine cellar, stables, and dungeons.

Today, Morro Castle is used as a museum and can be visited for a small fee. Its fantastic views make it a great first stop, a short taxi ride from the city center.

Explore Old Havana On Foot

Local Neighborhoods in Havana Vieja

As both the city center and the municipality with the second highest population density in Havana, Havana Vieja is quite possibly the most beautiful area of the city and a must-see if you’re visiting. Many buildings have fallen into ruin, but many starting to get restored.

The area is a colorful labyrinth of narrow streets, lively local neighborhoods, courtyards, forts, monuments, and churches that make up the pulsating heart of Havana. While you should definitely enjoy yourself strolling around the old city, just beware of jineteros, local hustlers trying to make a buck off you.

Tropicana Nightclub Show

Havana’s Most Famous Nightlife

Known as one of the hottest cabaret shows in the world, the Tropicana Nightclub Show is a world-famous spectacle set in a lush, tropical open-air venue that bursts with colorful lights, glitter, and glam. Salsa-charged and sensual, it’s a must-do activity during any trip to Havana Cuba.

Performers’ gaudy, feathered costumes are spectacles in and of themselves, but it’s the show as a whole that leaves you floored. Tickets are a bit pricey -— roughly $85 USD per person -— but include a welcome drink and cigar. We had a great night there!

Tour Havana By Classic Car

Tour Havana by Classic Car

When you think of things to do in Havana, chances are rolling down the street in a colorful, vintage convertible with the top down is a top contender. There are plenty of options for vintage car tours in Havana, and most operate like a regular taxi.

For pre-planned tours, there is usually a flat-fee (about 40 – 50 CUC per hour) that the driver communicates up front. But if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can easily hail a vintage car to go anywhere in the city. Make sure to stop in some photogenic locations to get those Instagram photos!

Stroll Along “El Malecon” Boardwalk

Stroll Along the Seaside on El Malecon

If you want an intimate glimpse at life in Havana, walk El Malecon. Translated as “the pier”, El Malecon is a restored seafront walkway situated along the city’s north coastline and provides lovely views of Havana’s iconic architecture.

It’s also the unofficial symbol of the city, and often can be seen on postcards and in films. El Malecon is a destination in and of itself, so food and music is abundant all along the pier.

And if you visit during late July or early August, El Malecon comes alive with one of the biggest festivals in Cuba —- the Havana Carnival.

Enjoy Cuban Cigars At Hotel Nacional

Cigars & Rum at Havana’s Famous Hotel Nacional

Cuba has elevated cigar smoking to an art form. For that reason, you can pretty much find a good cigar anywhere in Havana—but if you’re looking for the best spot to light up and take in the classy, glamorous, atmosphere that this city evokes, look no further than Hotel Nacional.

Hotel Nacional is not only the most famous hotel in Havana -— it’s also home to one of the city’s best cigar shops called La Casa del Habano. Or you can enjoy your cigar in the hotel’s backyard and bar, relaxing amidst ocean views, palm trees, and even peacocks strolling by!

Visit Hemingway’s Watering Holes

Have a Drink at El Floridita Bar

Ernest Hemingway lived outside Havana for twenty years, and naturally got much of the inspiration for his novels from the city—more specifically, from its bars. El Floridita, Dos Hermanos and La Bodeguita del Medio were Hemingway’s favorite bars when he lived there, and today they can be visited just like any other bar.

Watch out though, as a few of them have turned into tourist traps. La Bodeguita was my favorite Hemingway-approved watering hole and still retains much of the subdued, authentic atmosphere you’d expect Hemingway probably loved. They have live salsa music, and also make a mean mojito, which never hurts.

Try A Cuban Pizza!

Typical Cuban Pizza in Havana

Sure, everyone knows they should eat a Cuban sandwich while in Cuba. But did you know these famous sandwiches were actually created in Florida? Instead, why not order a classic Cuban pizza while visiting Havana!

What makes Cuban pizza special is the “sofrito” — essentially a holy mix of onion, garlic, and bell pepper sautéed in olive oil with tomato and spices. In Havana, crappy pizza is everywhere, and the good stuff is a bit trickier to find.

For starters, I recommend heading to 5 Esquinas Trattoria on Cuarteles Avenue. Their pizza is baked in a wood oven, and the spot is a prime location for people-watching. Another tasty spot is Bella Ciao, which has a reputation for the freshest pizza (and pasta!) in Havana.

Hit The Beaches Nearby

Packed Weekend at Playa Santa Maria

Cuba’s proximity to the equator means that it’s always beach season in Havana. The island’s entire coastline is pretty much a white sand, turquoise-watered dream, so it’s hard to go wrong with picking a beach.

If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, head to Santa María del Mar, the biggest and most well-known beach in Havana. The downside to this one, though, is the crowds. But if you’re visiting in the autumn or winter you should be ok.

If you’re looking for a quieter beach day that isn’t as popular with tourists, try Playa Boca Ciega.

How About Some Rum In A Box?

Horrible Cheap Rum in a Box…

Wander the streets of Havana for a night on the town, and you’ll soon learn all about “rum in a box”. Known as the juice box for big kids, this rotgut rum is sold in individual packs. You’ll see locals partying with their box of Tumbao or Planchao.

It’s cheap as hell, pretty disgusting, and will leave you with a painful headache the next morning if you drink too much of it. But if you want to make some new friends, rip a fresh box open with your teeth and pass it around!

Visit The Capitol Building

Havana’s Capitol Building

El Capitolio, or Cuba’s Capitol Building, was built in 1929 and based off of the US Capitol in Washington DC. It has been closed to the public for the last 8 years for a big restoration project — but just recently re-opened.

Previously used as the Ministry of Science & Technology, the newly renovated structure is now the seat of Cuba’s national assembly, where they selected a new president last April. Visitors can tour the Capitol in groups of 15 from Tuesday to Sunday each week.

Dance To Some Cuban Music

Live Cuban Salsa Music

Salsa is everywhere in Havana—in bars, restaurants, even impromptu dances along sidewalks are a regular occurrence. We hit the bars & clubs a few different times to check out live music, one of my favorites was a bar called Kilometro Zero.

But if you want to take your salsa admiration one step further, sign up for a lesson. Casa del Son is Havana’s biggest and best dance school, offering locals and visitors classes in just about every type of traditional Cuban dance.

Watch Cannons Blast Off!

Fort San Carlos Cannon Ceremony

Ever since the 18th-century, a cannon has been fired in Havana every evening at 9pm at the Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of St Charles). Back then, Havana was divided in two and Cuba’s Spanish rulers would fire the cannon to inform the Habaneros to take shelter against pirate attacks.

Today, the nightly event is still quite a spectacle, equipped with a drum roll and artillery cadets lining the fort dressed in colonial uniforms. The event is free, always on time, and onlookers are encouraged! This is one of the lesser-known things to do in Havana.

Stay Hydrated With Guarapo

Cuban Sugar Cane Juice

What is guarapo, you ask? It’s raw sugar cane juice that’s been extracted from palm-tree sap, and also the most delicious drink you can find in Cuba. The cheapest, too. It’s usually mixed with lime and ice and can be found pretty much in every bar, restaurant, or street side bodega.

You can also try it as an alcoholic beverage (usually mixed with rum). Guarapo is on of the best drinks to try in Havana, and a consistently fantastic spot to get your cane-juice drink on is Arsenal Street, right in front of the train station.

Viñales Tobacco Fields Road Trip

Visit the Tobacco Farms of Vinales

After a few days in Havana, no one would blame you for wanting to escape the city for a day to find something else to do, and the town of Viñales should fix you right up. It’s a small village tucked away in the middle of green fields, tobacco plantations and rock formations.

There are buses leaving daily from Havana to Viñales, or you can rent a classic car like we did. Viñales is known for its tobacco farms and limestone hills. Horseback riding is a popular way to enjoy the lush scenery and country atmosphere.

Visit Cámera Obscura

View from the Gómez Vila Building

You can get a brilliant 360-degree panoramic view of Old Havana from the top floor of the Gómez Vila building in Plaza Vieja, the tallest building in Old Havana. It’s got the only “Camera Oscura” in all of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The camera projects real-time images of the city at 30X magnification through just a peephole onto a dark screen. Havana’s Cámera Obscura costs only 2 CUC to visit, and even the view from the roof is totally worth it.

Trip Out In Fusterlandia

Fusterlandia Art Installation

Cuba’s rich artistic tradition is alive and well in part thanks to artist Jose Fuster, who has built a mosaic tile wonderland called Fusterlandia in the fishing village of Jaimanitas, just 20 minutes outside of Havana.

Fusterlandia is unique in that it isn’t its own site-specific artwork, but rather crafted into the neighborhood. Residents have actually allowed Fuster to decorate their homes and turn them into colorful, eye-popping gems.

There is a gallery you can visit between 9:30am and 4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday. If you don’t make it to the gallery, you can always just drive through the neighborhood to get a feel of things.

Eat At A Local Paladar

Where to Eat in Havana

If you only stick to government-run restaurants frequented by tourists, you’ll miss out on Cuba’s true flavor. So make sure to stop into a paladar (locally-run restaurant) for an authentic Cuban food experience.

Good Cuban food is a delicious fusion of African and Spanish food, and very much resembles a lot of the food you can find throughout the Caribbean — rich, dense, and heavy on the spices.

One great paladar I recommend is called San Cristóbal, located in the bottom floor of an early 20th-century mansion. Make sure you try the traditional ropa vieja. Shredded, stewed beef with vegetables!

Explore Havana’s Green Forest

Explore Havana’s Forest

El Bosque De La Habana (the Lungs of Havana) is a swamp-like forest home to the Almendares River and is a popular spot for locals to get away from the city center and breathe some fresh air. It’s a recreational area for Habaneros with playgrounds and an amphitheater for concerts.

Many of Havana’s classic car tours pass through the park. The 300-year-old banyan trees are covered in green vines, and it’s a very cool place to visit. You might see locals practicing Santeria in the river, a Caribbean religion where members sacrifice animals.

Plaza De La Revolución

Giant Che Guevara Mural at Revolution Square

The largest public square in Cuba, and one of the largest in the world, Plaza de la Revolucion is where Cuba’s most important government offices are located. The Ministerio del Interior boasts a massive mural of Cuba’s revolutionary hero Che Guevara.

The square is a bit out of the way from the heart of the capital, so most tourists get there via one of the classic car taxis that you can rent from Old Havana. Driving by this famous mural was one of my favorite things to do in the city.

There’s a museum there open from 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday and 9am to 1pm on Sundays. It’s a bit of a haul to get out there from Havana, so only do this if you have some extra time. Visit early in the morning to avoid the bus tour crowds.

Hotel Kempinski Rooftop Pool

This new infinity rooftop pool (and the luxury hotel) is an example of things to come as Cuba prepares for increased tourism. Unfortunately, Americans aren’t technically allowed to book this hotel, as it’s owned by the Cuban government.

Fabrica De Arte Cubano

The Cuban Art Factory

The Cuban Art Factory was founded by famous Afro-Cuban musician X-Alfonso, and is one of Havana’s hippest spots to soak in modern Cuban culture. It’s a mix between a nightclub, gallery, and performance center that promotes local Cuban artists, writers, photographers, and filmmakers.

Open from Thursday to Sunday, this giant factory building is often packed by 11pm, and is the perfect place to start your wild night on the town in Havana. Each room is different — some with live bands, others full of art. You’ll have a wonderful experience no matter what you’re in to.

The Revolution Museum

Plane from Cuban Revolution

Formerly the Presidential Palace, Havana’s Revolution Museum depicts the time period before, during, and right after the Cuban Revolution. You can still find bullet holes in the central staircase from a failed assassination attempt of President Fulgencio Batista.

Out back you’ll find some old military vehicles, tanks used during the Bay of Pigs operation, airplanes, and the yacht used to ferry Castro from Mexico to Cuba to start the revolution in the first place.

Climb La Guarida’s Staircase

Old-School Romantic Staircase

Probably’s Havana’s most famous Paladar, La Guarida Restaurant sits at the top floor of an old dilapidated-looking building, complete with a beautiful grand staircase. Traveling celebrities often stop in to eat here.

It’s usually difficult to book a table, and the meal prices aren’t cheap either. But you’re really paying for the interesting atmosphere & history. It kinda feels like you’re staring into your own international spy movie from the 50’s! Pretty cool.

Getting To (and Around) Havana

Despite the recent easing of Cuba’s travel laws, some restrictions are still in place for Americans. Technically you can only visit if you fall into one of 12 special categories.

However there are some ways around the rules, and it’s totally possible to visit as a tourist if you follow a few completely legal “loopholes”.

Airlines that serve Cuba directly from the US now include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.

Once you’re on the ground, local taxis are everywhere. There are the classic car versions, which are kinda expensive (negotiate first), or the local shared taxis, which only cost 0.50 CUC per person (but you need to know their set route or speak Spanish).

Best Time To Visit Havana

Havana is sunny year-round, so you really can’t go wrong in terms of choosing a time of year to visit. But be wary of the force of the Cuban sun. For those who are prone to heat exhaustion or have lighter skin, take extra precaution.

The autumn can be lovely but visiting then is risky because of hurricane season. I find that a happy medium is to visit sometime in the winter (November-March), as it’s both warm enough to enjoy the beaches but not hot enough to make you wish you were holed up in your air-conditioned hotel.

During the winter, the crowds have lessened and you can experience a more authentic Havana. Plus, New Year’s Eve in the city is an unforgettable spectacle.

Where To Stay In Havana

The most authentic places to stay in Havana are called Casa Particulares, which are guest rooms in Cuban family homes that you can find by simply asking around.

Typically, these rooms run from 10 to 30 CUC per night, but be sure to add a bit to that cost if you want homemade breakfast included.

Hotel Saratoga, Hotel Nacional de Cuba, and Hotel Florida

Travel Tips for Havana Cuba

Useful Travel Tips For Havana

If you want to save some money, and don’t have to go too far, trying hiring a bicycle taxi or a “coco taxi” scooter for a fun ride.

Don’t spend all your time in Havana! There is so much more to Cuba than the capital city. Check out Vinales, Trinidad, and Varadero if you have the time.

Bring a filtered water bottle, as bottled water can sometimes be difficult to find outside of major cities.

Even if you normally prefer hotels, I recommend spending at least one night in a casas particular with locals to see what it’s like.

Learn some basic Spanish words! While some English is common in Havana, attempting to speak Spanish will give you more opportunities to interact with people.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

But before I left my job to travel, I was working paycheck to paycheck like most people. I needed to learn how to make extra money online while still working a day job so I could afford to chase this dream of mine.

While I’ve shared examples of travel-friendly jobs here, some of you are still asking about other ways to make extra money from home.

Maybe you already have a day job. Or you’re a college student. Or a stay-at-home parent. Or a recent retiree. Or a government worker currently not getting a paycheck.

You are interested in a “side-hustle” to make extra cash in 2019.

You want that extra money for traveling, to invest in a small business, to become a writer, to supplement your current income, or whatever your goal happens to be.

Well, keep reading then! This post is for you.

For the past year, I’ve been researching all kinds of crazy ways to make extra money on the side, and you won’t believe what’s working for some people these days!

More and more of us are learning how to make money online or from home — new technologies and opportunities make it easier than ever before.

Best Ways To Earn Extra Money

How did I earn extra money to travel all those years ago? Well, aside from learning how to save money properly, I also wrote and sold a series of ebooks about topics I was knowledgeable in — nightlife and photography.

Ebooks are essentially digital how-to guides that people can download in PDF format. Don’t worry, I’ll go into more detail later in this article.

Selling ebooks is just ONE way to earn extra money, and it’s not for everyone.

Because we all have unique skills and passions, below you’ll find MANY different ways to make extra money on the side, along with helpful resources to get you started with each one.

You’ll be saving up for that dream vacation in no time!

Creative Ideas To Earn Extra Income

Rent Your Car to Tourists

Rent Your Car Out

Ah, the gig economy. Always coming up with new ways for regular people to earn some extra money. If you own a car, you can make some easy cash by renting it out through an app called Turo.com. Don’t worry, every car gets a $1 million insurance policy, plus they pre-screen drivers, so your car will be in good hands.

How much money can you make? It depends on the car, where it’s located, and how much you decide to charge. This guy makes over $1000 per month, per car (he has a fleet now). To earn good money, don’t rent out the same car you use to get around every day. Only have one car? Maybe rent it out and switch to public transportation!

Become A Virtual Bookkeeper

Every small business needs a bookkeeper. I’ve got one too. Basically, they organize and track income and expenses, so a business owner can spend time on the things they’re good at — running the business. And you don’t need to be a professional accountant in order to become a bookkeeper either!

Competent bookkeepers can handle multiple clients, and make a good side income for themselves while working from home, as almost all financial information can be tracked online these days. With only 3-4 clients, a part-time (10 hours per week) bookkeeper can make an extra $10,000 a year. Being good with numbers helps!

Dress Up Like Jesus?!

This guy records videos of himself dressed as Jesus, praising whatever you want him to. Your company. Your song. Anything! And he’s making bank… charging at least $10 with over 10,000 sales so far. I’m not saying you should copy him, just get creative!

Now I know what you’re thinking. But this is a totally legitimate way to work-from-home! Sure, it’s a bit oddball, but that’s what makes it great. People will pay you to do the strangest things over on the website Fiverr.

Recharge Electric Scooters

Renting electric scooters has become big business in cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, Austin, Paris, and Nashville. Companies like Bird & Lime hire regular people to pick them up and recharge overnight in their homes, dropping the scooters off on the street the next morning.

The reward for finding and charging each scooter is between $5-$20, and it’s like a fun GPS scavenger hunt, playing to win against other “bird hunters” or “lime juicers”. If you have a truck or van, and can grab 10 each night, that’s an extra $50-$100+ per day!

List Your Room (Or House)

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the online marketplace Airbnb.com, which allows regular people to list their homes or spare rooms to traveling guests. I’ve been using it for years to find good cheap accommodation on my trips around the world.

Well, all those people I’m renting from are making extra income by listing their space. Some have turned it into a regular side business, buying up properties in order to list them out to tourists. If you have your own place, you can do the same.

Teach Cooking Classes

Are you a good cook? I’m not, except that one time I took an Italian cooking class! Have you ever thought about training others to cook? You could earn extra income teaching kids, retirees, or clueless husbands like me how to put together a healthy meal.

Back in 2012 Jan Pinnington was teaching her kids how to cook. Word got around, and other parents brought their kids, paying for her time. She saw an opportunity, moved her classes to a local community center and started a successful business.

Become A Freelance Proofreader

This one is for you grammar fanatics! Proofreading entails going over each word of someone else’s writing — correcting it for punctuation, formatting, and any other errors that may occur. My mom is my proofreader (thanks Mom!).

Proofreading court transcripts is in especially high demand, as it allows court reporters to focus on what they’re good at, typing fast during legal proceedings. By hiring others to proofread, these reporters can book more gigs, and make more money.

Before she started a blog, Caitlin Pyle was earning $43k a year working 20-30 hour weeks as a freelance proofreader. But you can work as much or as little as you want to.

Make Extra Money As A Tutor

You’d be surprised how many people are looking for a professional tutor. For example, foreign students trying to improve their English. Or high-school kids that need help with college exams like the SAT or ACT. Or even the traditional homework tutor.

Businessmen in Hong Kong and the Middle East pay up to $25 an hour for someone to talk to them in English, helping them improve their skills. All you need is a wifi connection and Skype for this type of remote job, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world.

Write & Sell An Ebook

Before I quit my job to travel the world, I built a small online business selling ebooks. I had one about nightclub photography and one about event promoting, two topics I was experienced with.

Basically, packaging knowledge into a useful handbook, and selling it online in a digital format. Either as a PDF, or maybe on the Amazon Marketplace. Writing the ebook is only the first step though, you also have to learn how to promote it using advertising, content marketing, blogging, social media, etc.

Work As A Freelance Writer

Do you enjoy writing? Freelance writers and copywriters make money crafting text for others, and if you’re good, you can earn a decent income on the side. I’ve written for online publications like the Travel Channel and Weather.com in the past.

Freelance writing can pay $0.10 – $1 per word, or $50 – $1000 per article. You not only need to be a good writer, but you should also know how to craft a proper pitch. Here’s a huge list of companies that hire freelance writers.

Transcribe & Caption Videos

If you haven’t noticed, online video has exploded in the last few years. YouTube alone is the 2nd biggest site on the internet. Facebook is #3, with their own huge video platform.

Video creators know that to get their uploads noticed, transcribing the audio into text helps. I do it with my YouTube videos. Many people also watch videos with the sound off, so captions become very important.

If you’re a fast typer, you can make extra money typing out what people are saying in these videos through a few companies that specialize in providing this service. The pay is around $10 an hour.

Sell Your Teaching Plans

Are you a grade school or high school teacher? If you are, thank you for your service! Maybe you’ve already heard about TeachersPayTeachers.com. If not, this site lets you sell your amazing lesson plans to other teachers around the country.

Created by a New York City public school teacher who saw his class performed best when he mixed in unique lesson plans & ideas from other teachers with his own, the site offers full curriculums, assignments, and videos for sale to fellow teachers, tutors, and homeschoolers.

Become A Virtual Assistant

As the world becomes increasingly connected online, more and more tasks can be accomplished without meeting face-to-face. This has opened up a whole new job demand for “virtual assistants”, or online personal assistants who help business owners with mundane work they can’t do themselves.

What kinds of work? Data entry. Social media management. Formatting. Editing. Online research. Email management. Graphic design. Booking travel. The list is endless! My own VA, Jess, makes my life easier by allowing me to focus on what I do best. Virtual assistants can earn between $10 – $30 an hour.

Create An Online Course

If you are an expert on a particular topic, there’s probably an audience out there willing to pay for your knowledge. I already mentioned turning your skills into an ebook, but there’s another, more lucrative way to teach some topics. Selling an online course.

I’m a huge fan of courses and tutorials, and I’ve learned so much about online business and photography with their help. While there’s a lot of free information on the internet these days, having someone organize all the best of it into an easy-to-follow format (with video!) is often worth the investment.

Language Translation Jobs

Are you fluent in another language? Online translation is one of the best careers for working from home. You can work as little or as much as you want, earning extra money translating websites, books, presentations, and more from your computer.

My friend Alexandra earns up to six-figures as a freelance translator from English to Spanish, allowing her the freedom to travel while she works. To make good money you need to build up some experience first though.

Start A YouTube Channel

Do you have any favorite YouTubers you like to watch? Millions of people tune into YouTube each day to be entertained or to learn something new. And there’s lots of money to be made.

Making money with YouTube isn’t “get rich quick” though, it takes time & practice. I have my own YouTube channel about adventure travel. If you’re passionate about a certain topic, (video games, travel, cooking, science, parenting, sports, etc) and can put together creative videos, you may have a chance to earn money on YouTube.

Online Coaching & Consulting

What do consultants do? They share their knowledge with others, in exchange for a fee. It’s that simple. I used to do some travel consulting, charging $75 an hour for a Skype call to help strangers plan their next trip.

But you can become a consultant for all sorts of topics. Online dating is a big one. Life coaches. Financial advice. What are you really good at? There may be a market for your knowledge and advice!

As a working professional, like a doctor, lawyer, or car mechanic, you can get paid to answer people’s questions on JustAnswer.com.

Social Media Influencer Side Gig

Become A Social Media Influencer

Making money on Instagram? Sure it happens! I work on social media “influencer” projects from time to time. Now, I don’t want to mislead you. It can take years to build a following large enough to make this possible. But maybe you already have a large social following, and aren’t monetizing it yet?

Companies pay influencers to be the face of their brand, promoting certain products or even destinations. It may start with free stuff, but over time can lead to making thousands of dollars per post on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and blogs.

Making Extra Money From Home

Watch Pets for a Side Business

Pet Sitting & House Sitting

Getting paid to take care of other people’s cute dogs & cats? Sign me up! As a cat owner myself, we’ve actually hired many pet sitters when we need to travel for work, and can’t bring Poofy (but sometimes we do). We often use the pet sitting app Rover.

At an average of $16 per 30 minute visit, that’s about $32 an hour to hang out with pets. There are other sites too, like Wag (for dog walking) and Trusted House Sitters where you actually house-sit for people, in exotic foreign countries if you want to, in exchange for taking care of their pets.

Amazon Furniture Assembly

Are you one of those people who loves putting together IKEA type furniture? Well, this one’s for you! There’s a lot of lazy people who buy furniture or appliances on Amazon.com, but don’t want to put it together when it arrives. Wall mount TVs. Bed frames. Dressers.

Amazon charges an extra fee for “assembly” and farms the work to independent contractors nearby. Like you! A typical build takes about an hour. Earning $2000 – $6000 a month is possible, and you can set your schedule to only work evenings or weekends if you have a day job.

A business license and business insurance are needed to get started, and depending on your state, those might cost a few hundred dollars.

Become A Local Tour Guide

Do love your hometown or city, and want to show others the best parts of it? There’s a market for local tour guides in different tourist hot-spots around the world. One of the coolest ways to do this is by offering free walking tours… wait, but how do you make money if they’re free?! TIPS.

As a GuRuWalk city guide, you take people on free walks around the city, and if they enjoy it, you collect (and keep) any tips afterward. Let’s say you have 10 guests, and they each tip $5 after an hour-long tour. That’s $50 an hour! Or, you can try offering unique travel experience through AirBnB Experiences.

Sell Freelance Photography

Are you passionate about photography? Why not try to make a living shooting portraits, weddings, or stock photography for some spare cash on the side. You’ll need to build up your portfolio first, but once you have a solid one, you can start applying to freelance photography sites to sell your work.

There’s even a market for travel photographers to help tourists get the perfect Instagram photo. Basically, if someone is traveling to Miami (or any town) for vacation, and you live nearby, they can hire you to be their personal travel photographer for a few hours.

Drive For Uber And Lyft

Now anyone can become a taxi driver! Uber and Lyft are the leading rideshare companies and have changed local transportation forever. Working for them as a driver can help you make some extra money on nights and weekends, even if you already have a day job.

To drive for them, you need to be at least 21 years old, have a few years of driving experience under your belt, and own your own decent 4-door car (it can’t be a beater). Many drivers I’ve met work for both companies at the same time.

Work Odd Jobs & Chores

Got a knack for odd jobs around the house? Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you to people who are in need of a hero and are willing to pay you to help them get through their everyday to-dos.

From cleaning and moving to deliveries and home improvements, it offers a win-win solution for everyone. All you have to do to get started is register online, attend an info session in your city and start tasking! You can set your own hours and rate of pay.

I’ve hired people through TaskRabbit many times, and have always been happy with the results. The system is very easy to use too.

Sell Arts & Crafts

If you’ve got ‘the eye’ for art, why not sell your artwork online. You can ship your creations (paintings, custom furniture, knitting patterns, etc.), or simply email a digital copy to your customers if you’re not in the position to manage the postage.

Tools like Etsy give you access to customers around the world (33 million customers to be exact). They also provide their sellers with powerful marketing tools to help you grow your following and online income.

Deliver Packages For Flex

Never heard of Amazon Flex? It’s an package delivery platform that allows you to be your own boss, set your own schedule and make between $18-$25 per hour!

Once you’ve registered online, you let them know which times work best for you, then you head off to pick up other people’s packages. As soon as you’ve scanned them, the app shows you where to go and suggests directions for the quickest route.

Want to see how much you’ve made at the end of the day? In true Amazon style, it couldn’t be easier to monitor your earnings through their app.

Food Delivery Side Job

Instead of driving people around, what about bringing them food? There’s been an explosion in the popularity of restaurant takeout delivery apps like UberEats and GrubHub.com, and these companies are all hiring drivers.

Obviously you need your own form of transportation, but it doesn’t have to be as nice as if you were shuttling people around for Uber’s taxi service.

Become A Substitute Teacher

This won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy teaching, it could be the perfect side hustle for you. Substitute teachers are required in many schools across the country to carry out a class for teachers who are absent for a day or extended periods of time.

Depending on the school district, you may be required to obtain a certification or complete training courses in order to become a substitute teacher. However sometimes all you need is a high school diploma.

To apply for a sub position, you can call on the phone or visit your local school district’s website and look for specific instructions.

Pick Up Parking Lot Trash

Sounds crazy, right? Meet Brian Winch, who turned $0 into a $650,000 a year business picking up other people’s trash in business parking lots. The great thing about this small business idea is that you don’t have to quit your day job to get started.

Basically, you offer to clean up litter around commercial properties. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a broom and a litter collection tool. You don’t need a college degree. You’d work with property management companies, retail stores, offices, and warehouses.

Easy Ways To Make Money Fast

Ok, these next few options don’t pay a lot, maybe a few hundred dollars a month. But they’re easy and fast ways to earn extra cash. They really don’t require any experience to get started either.

Earn Extra Money Donating Plasma

Donate Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid that holds your blood cells in suspension. It’s the key ingredient for medical products that treat many life-threatening conditions. Unlike donating blood, you are actually paid for plasma donations, because it’s used by big pharmaceutical companies.

You can donate plasma up to twice per week, earning up to $400 a month. The process takes about 0 minutes. There are a couple of risks though. If the large needle used bursts your vein, it can turn your whole arm black & blue for a while. And if you donate a lot, it can leave a small permanent scar.

Participate In Market Research

Market research companies are paid to collect data on consumer interests and spending habits, so big brands can learn how to improve their marketing efforts. They do this research using online questionnaires, and they’re always on the lookout for new survey participants.

Basically, you can make an extra $100 per month filling out surveys on your phone sitting in your underwear if you want to. Granted, the money isn’t amazing (because answering mindless questions is pretty easy). But if you’re looking for a simple way to earn extra money, participating in surveys while you surf Netflix doesn’t get any easier.

Join Clinical Trials

If you have a body, you’re good to go! By joining a clinical trial, not only will you be paid for your time and support, but you will also be helping medical, surgical or behavioral research studies, which are hugely beneficial for researchers who are trying to find out if a new treatment or drug etc, is safe and effective for use.

Although the payment rates change from trial to trial, you will be reaping in the good karma at the same time. Clinical trials pay between $50-$300 per day, and it depends on the length of the time required as well as the procedures performed.

Earn Extra Money Testing Websites

Website owners, like me, want to know what regular readers think about the site. How they use it, move through the menus, what they look at, if they’re confused about anything, etc. We’ll pay for that information because it’s useful for creating a better user experience, and leads to more readers.

More readers result in more money. So there are some companies out there that arrange this testing for website owners, by hiring regular people to visit the websites and report on their experience. You can earn around $8-$10 for 15 minutes of your time. Some sites require a webcam and microphone.

Sell Your Hair (If You Have Some!)

If you are lucky enough to have a thick head of hair, I really don’t want to know about it, because I’ll get jealous. Haha just kidding! Kinda…

Selling your hair can be a creative solution to earn more money! How much? It depends on the length, thickness and color of your locks, but nonetheless, it’s certainly an easy way to make a buck.

You’re not a hair-factory, so it’s not a consistent flow of income, but it could give your bank balance a nice boost once in a while, with most people earning a couple of hundred dollars each time. You can get a rough estimate of how much your hair is worth here.

Grocery Shopping For Others

For those of you that get excited when you see an empty fridge and know that it’s time to do the food shopping all over again, this one’s for you. You could be earning extra income by simply doing other peoples food shopping with InstaCart.

Choose between their Full-time Shopper or In-store Shopper positions, giving you complete flexibility, you don’t even need a car to sign up. You can work during the hours that are best for you, but if you are available during peak times, you can really maximize your earnings.

“Wrap” Your Car With Advertisements

It doesn’t get much easier than this. No skills or brain power needed, as long as you have four wheels that get you from A to B, you could be making money while you drive.

Companies such as Wrapify are always on the hunt for drivers who will wrap their cars in certain locations for brand campaigns. According to Carvertise, you could be earning between $300 – $1200 per campaign, simply by doing what you already do every day. Drive!

Ready To Earn Some Extra Money This Year?

In a world where income from our traditional jobs is not keeping up with inflation and cost of living expenses, everyone’s looking for ways to make extra money on the side from home or online.

I know what it’s like living paycheck to paycheck! I was there once too — but I managed to break free of that cycle with help from a side-hustle that allowed me to make (and save!) some extra money on top of my day job.

I hope you learned of a few new options available for you to do the same. ★

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

12 Comments

Great list! I do a number of these, and I’m also researching stock photos. After a decade of traveling, I have a ton of photos that are just sitting unused and unloved on a hard drive… Not sure what’ll come of it, but it’s another option if you’ve been taking some high-quality pictures.

Really great ideas, I’ve started with teaching english to Chinese children a month ago and am really satisfied. I feel that it allows for enough free time and still provides a lot of money for the time and work invested. I am using a different system that you are saying, but will try the one that you recommended. I wanted to go into proofreading, but I feel that my english is not great enough, so I would not do good. Also, I’m not really a person that always sees all the details. So, teaching english, my next lesson is in 6 hours.

Awesome Marjan! Glad you’re enjoying the online English classes. I know many people who are doing this on the side to earn some extra income. You really need a certain type of personality for entertaining kids though, and not everyone has that.

39 Creative Side Hustles To Make Extra Money In 2019

This post may contain affiliate links. See my policy page for more info.

How to Earn Extra Money Guide

Make Extra Money

Looking to make some extra money this year? Check out my detailed guide to unconventional side hustles for earning extra income from home. Even if you’re already working a full-time job…

Nine years ago I quit my job to travel the world.

This was a crazy idea at the time, but it eventually turned into the best decision of my life, and these days I run a successful travel blog that earns 6-figures a year.

I wasn’t some rich-kid though, and before I could leave for that year-long backpacking trip around the world, I first learned how to make extra money online while working a day job so I could afford my travel adventures.

Maybe you already have a day job. Or you’re a college student. Or a stay-at-home parent.

You’re interested in a “side-hustle” to make extra cash in 2019 for travel, to open a small business, become a writer, or whatever your dream happens to be.

Well, keep reading then! This post is for you.

For the past year, I’ve been researching all kinds of crazy ways to make extra money on the side, and you won’t believe what’s working for some people these days!

More and more of us are learning how to make money online or from home — new technologies and opportunities make it easier than ever before.

Best Ways To Earn Extra Money

How did I earn extra money to travel all those years ago? Well, aside from learning how to save money properly, I also wrote and sold a series of ebooks about topics I was knowledgeable in — nightlife and photography.

Ebooks are basically digital how-to guides that people can download in PDF format. Don’t worry, I’ll go into more detail later in this article.

Selling ebooks is just one way to earn extra money, and it’s not for everyone.

Because we all have unique skills, passions, and abilities, below you’ll find many different ways to make extra money on the side, along with helpful resources to get you started with each one.

You’ll be saving up for that dream vacation in no time!

Creative Ways To Make Money

Rent Your Car to Tourists

1. Rent Your Car Out

Ah, the sharing economy. Always coming up with new ways for regular people to earn some extra money. If you own a car, you can make some easy cash by renting it out through an app called Turo.com. Don’t worry, every car gets a $1 million insurance policy, plus they pre-screen drivers, so your car will be in good hands.

How much money can you make? It depends on the car, where it’s located, and how much you decide to charge. This guy makes over $1000 per month, per car (he has a fleet now). To earn good money, don’t rent out the same car you use to get around every day. Only have one car? Maybe rent it out and switch to public transportation!

2. Become A Virtual Bookkeeper

Every small business needs a bookkeeper. I’ve got one. Basically, they organize and track income and expenses, so a business owner can spend time on the things they’re good at — running the business. And you don’t need to be a professional accountant in order to become a bookkeeper either!

Competent bookkeepers can handle multiple clients, and make a good side income for themselves while working from home, as almost all financial information can be tracked online these days. With only 3-4 clients, a part-time (10 hours per week) bookkeeper can make an extra $10,000 a year. Being good with numbers helps!

3. Dress Up Like Jesus?!

This guy records videos of himself dressed as Jesus, praising whatever you want him to. Your company. Your song. Anything! And he’s making bank… charging at least $10 with over 10,000 sales so far. I’m not saying you should copy him, just get creative!

Now I know what you’re thinking. But this is a totally legitimate way to work-from-home! Sure, it’s a bit oddball, but that’s what makes it great. People will pay you to do the strangest things over on the website Fiverr.

4. Recharge Electric Scooters

Renting electric scooters has become big business in cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, Austin, Paris, and Nashville. Companies like Bird & Lime hire regular people to pick them up and recharge overnight in their homes, dropping the scooters off on the street the next morning.

The reward for finding and charging each scooter is between $5-$20, and it’s like a fun GPS scavenger hunt, playing to win against other “bird hunters” or “lime juicers”. If you have a truck or van, and can grab 10 each night, that’s an extra $50-$100+ per day!

5. Rent Out Your Room (Or House)

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the online marketplace AirBnb.com, which allows regular people to rent out their homes or spare rooms to traveling guests. I’ve been using it for years to find good cheap accommodation on my trips around the world.

Well, all those people I’m renting from are making extra income by renting out their apartments. Some have turned it into a regular side business, buying up properties in order to rent them out to tourists. If you have your own place, you can do the same.

6. Teach Cooking Classes

Are you a good cook? I’m not, except that one time I took an Italian cooking class! Have you ever thought about training others to cook? You could earn extra income teaching kids, retirees, or clueless husbands like me how to put together a healthy meal.

Back in 2012 Jan Pinnington was teaching her kids how to cook. Word got around, and other parents brought their kids, paying for her time. She saw an opportunity, moved her classes to a local community center and started a successful business.

7. Become A Freelance Proofreader

This one is for you grammar fanatics! Proofreading entails going over each word of someone else’s writing — correcting it for punctuation, formatting, and any other errors that may occur. My mom is my proofreader (thanks Mom!).

Proofreading court transcripts is in especially high demand, as it allows court reporters to focus on what they’re good at, typing fast during legal proceedings. By hiring others to proofread, these reporters can book more gigs, and make more money.

Before she started a blog, Caitlin Pyle was earning $43k a year working 20-30 hour weeks as a freelance proofreader. But you can work as much or as little as you want to.

8. Make Extra Money As A Tutor

You’d be surprised how many people are looking for a professional tutor. For example, foreign students trying to improve their English. Or high-school kids that need help with college exams like the SAT or ACT. Or even the traditional homework tutor.

Businessmen in Hong Kong and the Middle East pay up to $25 an hour for someone to talk to them in English, helping them improve their skills. All you need is a wifi connection and Skype for this type of remote job, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world.

11. Write & Sell An Ebook

Before I quit my job to travel the world, I built a small online business selling ebooks. I had one about nightclub photography and one about event promoting, two topics I was experienced with.

Basically, packaging knowledge into a useful handbook, and selling it online in a digital format. Either as a PDF, or maybe on the Amazon Marketplace. Writing the ebook is only the first step though, you also have to learn how to promote it using advertising, content marketing, blogging, social media, etc.

Work As A Freelance Writer

Do you enjoy writing? Freelance writers and copywriters make money crafting text for others, and if you’re good, you can earn a decent income on the side. I’ve written for online publications like the Travel Channel and Weather.com in the past.

Freelance writing can pay $0.10 – $1 per word, or $50 – $1000 per article. You not only need to be a good writer, but you should also know how to craft a proper pitch. Here’s a huge list of companies that hire freelance writers.

12. Transcribe & Caption Videos

If you haven’t noticed, online video has exploded in the last few years. YouTube alone is the 2nd biggest site on the internet. Facebook is #3, with their own huge video platform.

Video creators know that to get their uploads noticed, transcribing the audio into text helps. I do it with my YouTube videos. Many people also watch videos with the sound off, so captions become very important.

If you’re a fast typer, you can make extra money typing out what people are saying in these videos through a few companies that specialize in providing this service. The pay is around $10 an hour.

18. Sell Your Teaching Plans

Are you a grade school or high school teacher? If you are, thank you for your service! Maybe you’ver already heard about TeachersPayTeachers.com. If not, this site lets you sell your amazing lesson plans to other teachers around the country.

Created by a New York City public school teacher who saw his class performed best when he mixed in unique lesson plans & ideas from other teachers with his own, the site offers full curriculums, assignments, and videos for sale to fellow teachers, tutors, and homeschoolers.

13. Become A Virtual Assistant

As the world becomes increasingly connected online, more and more tasks can be accomplished without meeting face-to-face. This has opened up a whole new job demand for “virtual assistants”, or online personal assistants who help business owners with mundane work they can’t do themselves.

What kinds of work? Data entry. Social media management. Formatting. Editing. Online research. Email management. Graphic design. Booking travel. The list is endless! My own VA, Jess, makes my life easier by allowing me to focus on what I do best. Virtual assistants can earn between $10 – $30 an hour.

14. Create An Online Course

If you are an expert on a particular topic, there’s probably an audience out there willing to pay for your knowledge. I already mentioned turning your skills into an ebook, but there’s another, more lucrative way to teach some topics. Selling an online course.

I’m a huge fan of courses and tutorials, and I’ve learned so much about online business and photography with their help. While there’s a lot of free information on the internet these days, having someone organize all the best of it into an easy-to-follow format (with video!) is often worth the investment.

16. Language Translation Jobs

Are you fluent in another language? Online translation is one of the best careers for working from home. You can work as little or as much as you want, earning extra money translating websites, books, presentations, and more from your computer.

My friend Alexandra earns up to six-figures as a freelance translator from English to Spanish, allowing her the freedom to travel while she works. To make good money you need to build up some experience first though.

17. Start A YouTube Channel

Do you have any favorite YouTubers you like to watch? Millions of people tune into YouTube each day to be entertained or to learn something new. And there’s lots of money to be made.

Making money with YouTube isn’t “get rich quick” though, it takes time & practice. I have my own YouTube channel about adventure travel. If you’re passionate about a certain topic, (video games, travel, cooking, science, parenting, sports, etc) and can put together creative videos, you may have a chance to earn money on YouTube.

19. Online Coaching & Consulting

What do consultants do? They share their knowledge with others, in exchange for a fee. It’s that simple. I used to do some travel consulting, charging $75 an hour for a Skype call to help strangers plan their next trip.

But you can become a consultant for all sorts of topics. Online dating is a big one. Life coaches. Financial advice. What are you really good at? There may be a market for your knowledge and advice!

As a working professional, like a doctor, lawyer, or car mechanic, you can get paid to answer people’s questions on JustAnswer.com.

Social Media Influencer Side Gig

20. Become A Social Media Influencer

Making money on Instagram? Sure it happens! I work on social media “influencer” projects from time to time. Now, I don’t want to mislead you. It can take years to build a following large enough to make this possible. But maybe you already have a large social following, and aren’t monetizing it yet?

Companies pay influencers to be the face of their brand, promoting certain products or even destinations. It may start with free stuff, but over time can lead to making thousands of dollars per post on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and blogs.

How To Make Extra Money From Home

Watch Pets for a Side Business

21. Pet Sitting & House Sitting

Getting paid to take care of other people’s cute dogs & cats? Sign me up! As a cat owner myself, we’ve actually hired many pet sitters when we need to travel for work, and can’t bring Poofy (but sometimes we do). We often use the pet sitting app Rover.

At an average of $16 per 30 minute visit, that’s about $32 an hour to hang out with pets. There are other sites too, like Wag (for dog walking) and Trusted House Sitters where you actually house-sit for people, in exotic foreign countries if you want to, in exchange for taking care of their pets.

22. Amazon Furniture Assembly

Are you one of those people who loves putting together IKEA type furniture? Well, this one’s for you! There’s a lot of lazy people who buy furniture or appliances on Amazon.com, but don’t want to put it together when it arrives. Wall mount TVs. Bed frames. Dressers.

Amazon charges an extra fee for “assembly” and farms the work to independent contractors nearby. Like you! A typical build takes about an hour. Earning $2000 – $6000 a month is possible, and you can set your schedule to only work evenings or weekends if you have a day job.

A business license and business insurance are needed to get started, and depending on your state, those might cost a few hundred dollars.

23. Become A Local Tour Guide

Do love your hometown or city, and want to show others the best parts of it? There’s a market for local tour guides in different tourist hot-spots around the world. One of the coolest ways to do this is by offering free walking tours… wait, but how do you make money if they’re free?! TIPS.

As a GuRuWalk city guide, you take people on free walks around the city, and if they enjoy it, you collect (and keep) any tips afterward. Let’s say you have 10 guests, and they each tip $5 after an hour-long tour. That’s $50 an hour! Or, you can try offering unique travel experience through AirBnB Experiences.

24. Sell Freelance Photography

Are you passionate about photography? Why not try to make a living shooting portraits, weddings, or stock photography for some spare cash on the side. You’ll need to build up your portfolio first, but once you have a solid one, you can start applying to freelance photography sites to sell your work.

There’s even a market for travel photographers to help tourists get the perfect Instagram photo. Basically, if someone is traveling to Miami (or any town) for vacation, and you live nearby, they can hire you to be their personal travel photographer for a few hours.

25. Drive For Uber And Lift

Now anyone can become a taxi driver! Uber and Lyft are the leading rideshare companies and have changed local transportation forever. Working for them as a driver can help you make some extra money on nights and weekends, even if you already have a day job.

To drive for them, you need to be at least 21 years old, have a few years of driving experience under your belt, and own your own decent 4-door car (it can’t be a beater). Many drivers I’ve met work for both companies at the same time.

26. Work Odd Jobs & Chores

Got a knack for odd jobs around the house? Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you to people who are in need of a hero and are willing to pay you to help them get through their everyday to-dos.

From cleaning and moving to deliveries and home improvements, it offers a win-win solution for everyone. All you have to do to get started is register online, attend an info session in your city and start tasking! You can set your own hours and rate of pay.

I’ve hired people through TaskRabbit many times, and have always been happy with the results. The system is very easy to use too.

27. Sell Arts & Crafts

If you’ve got ‘the eye’ for art, why not sell your artwork online. You can ship your creations (paintings, custom furniture, knitting patterns, etc.), or simply emailing a digital copy to your customers if you’re not in the position to manage the postage.

Tools like Etsy give you access to customers around the world (33 million customers to be exact). They also provide their sellers with powerful marketing tools to help you grow your following and online income.

28. Make Deliveries For Flex

Never heard of Amazon Flex? It’s a delivery platform that allows you to be your own boss, set your own schedule and make between $18-$25 per hour!

Once you’ve registered online, you let them know which times work best for you, then you head off to pick up your packages. As soon as you’ve scanned it, the app will show you where to deliver it and suggest directions for the quickest route.

Want to see how much you’ve made at the end of the day? In true Amazon style, it couldn’t be easier to monitor your earnings through their app.

29. Food Delivery Side Job

Instead of driving people around, what about bringing them food? There’s been an explosion in the popularity of restaurant takeout delivery apps like UberEats and GrubHub.com, and these companies are all hiring drivers.

Obviously you need your own car, but it doesn’t have to be as nice as if you were shuttling people around.

30. Become A Substitute Teacher

This won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy teaching, it could be the perfect side hustle for you. Substitute teachers are required in many schools across the country to carry out a class for teachers who are absent for a day or extended periods of time.

Depending on the school district, you may be required to obtain a certification or complete training courses in order to become a substitute teacher. However sometimes all you need is a high school diploma.

To apply for a sub position, you can call on the phone or visit your local school district’s website and look for specific instructions.

31. Pick Up Parking Lot Trash

Sounds crazy, right? Meet Brian Winch, who turned $0 into a $650,000 a year business picking up other people’s trash in business parking lots. The great thing about this small business idea is that you don’t have to quit your day job to get started.

Basically, you offer to clean up litter around commercial properties. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a broom and a litter collection tool. You don’t need a college degree. You’d work with property management companies, retail stores, offices, and warehouses.

Easy Ways To Make Money Fast

Ok, these next few options don’t pay a lot, maybe a few hundred dollars a month. But they’re easy and fast ways to earn extra cash. They really don’t require any experience to get started either.

Earn Extra Money Donating Plasma

32. Donate Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid that holds your blood cells in suspension. It’s the key ingredient for medical products that treat many life-threatening conditions. Unlike donating blood, you are actually paid for plasma donations, because it’s used by big pharmaceutical companies.

You can donate plasma up to twice per week, earning up to $400 a month. The process takes about 0 minutes. There are a couple of risks though. If the large needle used bursts your vein, it can turn your whole arm black & blue for a while. And if you donate a lot, it can leave a small permanent scar.

33. Participate In Market Research

Market research companies are paid to collect data on consumer interests and spending habits, so big brands can learn how to improve their marketing efforts. They do this research using online questionnaires, and they’re always on the lookout for new survey participants.

Basically, you can make an extra $100 per month filling out surveys on your phone sitting in your underwear if you want to. Granted, the money isn’t amazing (because answering mindless questions is pretty easy). But if you’re looking for a simple way to earn extra money, participating in surveys while you surf Netflix doesn’t get any easier.

34. Join Clinical Trials

If you have a body, you’re good to go! By joining a clinical trial, not only will you be paid for your time and support, but you will also be helping medical, surgical or behavioral research studies, which are hugely beneficial for researchers who are trying to find out if a new treatment or drug etc, is safe and effective for use.

Although the payment rates change from trial to trial, you will be reaping in the good karma at the same time. Clinical trials pay between $50-$300 per day, and it depends on the length of the time required as well as the procedures performed.

35. Earn Extra Money Testing Websites

Website owners, like me, want to know what regular readers think about the site. How they use it, move through the menus, what they look at, if they’re confused about anything, etc. We’ll pay for that information because it’s useful for creating a better user experience, and leads to more readers.

More readers results in more money. So there are some companies out there that arrange this testing for website owners, by hiring regular people to visit the websites and report on their experience. You can earn around $8-$10 for 15 minutes of your time. Some sites require a webcam and microphone.

36. Sell Your Hair (If You Have Some!)

If you’re lucky enough to have a thick head of hair on your head, this might just be your creative solution to earn more money! Your payment will depend on the length, thickness and colour of your locks, but nonetheless, it’s certainly a quick and easy way to make a buck.

It’s not exactly a consistent flow of income, but it could give your bank balance a nice boost every now and again, with most people earning a couple of hundred dollars each time. You can get a rough estimate of how much your luscious locks are worth here.

37. Grocery Shopping For Others

For those of you that get excited when you see an empty fridge and know that it’s time to do the food shopping all over again, this one’s for you. You could be earning extra income by simply doing other peoples food shopping with InstaCart.

Choose between their Full-time Shopper or In-store Shopper positions, giving you complete flexibility, you don’t even need a car to sign up. You can work during the hours that are best for you, but if you are available during peak times, you can really maximize your earnings.

38. “Wrap” Your Car With Advertisements

It doesn’t get much easier than this. No skills or brain power needed, as long as you have four wheels that get you from A to B, you could be making money while you drive.

Companies such as Wrapify are always on the hunt for drivers who will wrap their cars in certain locations for brand campaigns. According to Carvertise, you could be earning between $300-$1200 per campaign, simply by doing what you already do every day.

Ready To Earn Some Extra Money This Year?

In a world where income from our traditional jobs is not keeping up with inflation and cost of living expenses, everyone’s looking for ways to make extra money on the side from home or online.

I know what it’s like living paycheck to paycheck! I was there once too — but I managed to break free of that cycle with help from a side-hustle that allowed me to make (and save!) some extra money on top of my day job.

I hope you learned of a few new options available for you to do the same. ★

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Amsterdam Vacation: Things to Do and Neighborhoods to Visit

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular vacation spots. Based on feedback from 100,000 millennials, Amsterdam came in number two for most popular travel destinations on earth. That’s not a huge surprise considering Amsterdam is a picturesque city of canals, architecture, world-famous museums, and more bicycles than people. It’s also very affordable. All of this also means Amsterdam is quite crowded, especially in the city center. Fortunately, the many things to do in Amsterdam include a number of places to visit in Amsterdam’s unique neighborhoods just outside of the city center.

Oud-Zuid

Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid neighborhood, just south of the city center, was our favorite neighborhood, which is a good thing since that’s where we stayed, at the Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam (more about the hotel later in the article).

The Oud-Zuid neighborhood is one of the prettiest and wealthiest neighborhoods in Amsterdam, with wide streets lined with unique shops and some of Amsterdam’s best museums.

Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands is famous for its artists. There are many important Dutch artists, including Van Gogh (pronounced more like vun-khokh by the Dutch). The Van Gogh Museum, located in the Oud-Zuid neighborhood, has the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s art in the world. Some of Van Gogh’s famous works that are in the museum include his self-portraits, The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, Irises, and The Bedroom. Romeo used to not be such a fan of Van Gogh, but our Amsterdam vacation was quite an art education and he’s now fascinated by how Van Gogh could create self-portraits that were clearly of Van Gogh, and yet were created with minimal broad brush strokes.

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the busiest museums in Amsterdam. While entrance is free with an I amsterdam city card, you’ll still need to book tickets online for a specific date and time. Pictures are not allowed in most of the museum.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum has been open to the public in its present place for over 0 years. The museum features antique objects, prints, drawings, photos, and of course paintings by the Dutch masters including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Van Dyck, and Jan Steen. One of the highlights of the museum is Rembrandt’s Night Watch Gallery, a larger-than-life portrait of the civic guard. The gallery in which it is displayed was specially designed for the painting.

Entrance to the Rijksmuseum is free with the I amsterdam city card. Download the Rijksmuseum mobile app before leaving home and bring your earphones so you can use the app to tour the highlights and learn more about any piece in the museum.

Moco Museum

Moco Museum is a boutique museum amongst the giants. Moco Museum is housed in an English country house style building designed by Eduard Cuypers, the cousin of the architect who designed the Rijksmuseum. Moco Museum houses modern and contemporary art, mostly Banksy. Other artists featured are Icy & Sot, the Banksy of Iran, and Roy Lichtenstein. Outside of the museum is the Moco Garden, a fanciful garden of sculptures like a huge gummy bear.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is to Amsterdam what Central Park is to New York City and is a relaxing place to visit during an Amsterdam vacation. Vondelpark is perfect for strolling, jogging, biking, skating, dog-walking, and whatever else strikes your fancy. Vondelpark first opened to the public in 1865. Because the park is constructed on muddy land, its ground level is constantly lowering, so the park has to go through a thorough renovation every 30 years.

De Plantage

Amsterdam’s De Plantage neighborhood is just east of the city center. This area of Amsterdam has more green spaces and is home to the ARTIS Royal Zoo and Amsterdam’s botanical gardens. Rembrandt called the De Plantage neighborhood home. De Plantage is also the place to learn about Jewish wartime Amsterdam.

Dutch Resistance Museum

The Netherlands surrendered to Nazi Germany in 1940 after Rotterdam was obliterated by bombing. The country remained under German occupation until May 1945. During those five years the Dutch resistance, mostly without violence, fought against the Nazis and hid 300,000 people.

The Dutch Resistance Museum walks visitors through the three choices the Dutch had: adjust, collaborate, or resist. It may seem like such an easy decision now in hindsight, but the Nazis had a subtle approach of slowly undermining official resistance in The Netherlands, so at first, the occupation didn’t seem so bad. There was even an economic boom at the start. In the beginning, many Dutch felt the best way was to adjust, and some even joined in the Nazi cause. Quotes from Dutch people include, “I was impressed that Hitler had turned a land with millions of unemployed into a prosperous country” and “What attracted me was the energy: the singing and marching, and that sense of belonging.” But as the war intensified and conditions deteriorated, more Dutch people started to resist in various ways including public protests, helping people go into hiding, smuggling ration coupons and destroying the Amsterdam Registry Office.

Entrance into the Dutch Resistance Museum is free with the I amsterdam city card and all visitors can take advantage of the free audio guide.

National Holocaust Museum

The National Holocaust Museum is located in a building that was used by the Dutch resistance to smuggle 0 children out of captivity, using the outside tram stop as cover. The museum is a work in progress, hosting temporary exhibitions that tell the story of the Holocaust with stories from survivors and surviving objects about men, women, and children who did not make it to the other side of the Holocaust. In the basement is an installation by Willem Volkersz, In Memoriam, which commemorates student of the 1st Montessori School in Amsterdam who lost their lives during the Nazi occupation.

Entrance into the National Holocaust Museum is free with the I amsterdam city card and one ticket provides entrance into the National Holocaust Memorial, Jewish Historical Museum, and Portuguese Synagogue as well.

National Holocaust Memorial

The National Holocaust Memorial, across from the museum, used to be a theater. In 1941 it was turned into the Jewish Theatre by the Germans and was later used as a site of deportation of Jews to concentration and extermination camps. After the war, the theater fell into disrepair. In 1962 a monument was erected in memory of the Jewish victims. A Wall of Remembrance has been engraved with the surnames of the 104,000 murdered Jews from the Netherlands.

Portuguese Synagogue

The Portuguese Synagogue was built in 1675 and has its original interior. The synagogue is still lit by hundreds of candles. In addition to the synagogue, visitors can enter various rooms in the complex, such as the treasure chamber. The oldest functioning Jewish library in the world can also be seen here.

Jewish Historical Museum

The Jewish Historical Museum is housed within four synagogue buildings. Visitors learn about Dutch Jewish life past and present at the museum through paintings, films, and other items. The video displays are an interesting and interactive way to learn about Jewish holidays and traditions.

Rembrandt House Museum

In addition to the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the De Plantage neighborhood has the Rembrandt House Museum. This is where the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt lived and worked. It was interesting to go through the rooms of the house and learn about Rembrandt’s life, how he became a famous portrait painter, how he filled his house with works of art by other artists, and how his extravagant lifestyle and the change in his clients’ tastes led to his bankruptcy.

What we found the most interesting in the Rembrandt House Museum were the demonstrations about creating etchings and paint. We learned how Rembrandt’s apprentices created colored pigments by grinding rocks, mixing the powder with oil, and storing it in pig bladders. They had to learn to create the same color and the same consistency from natural ingredients. Some rocks and minerals were expensive and came from faraway places. Once a color was created, it might be applied to three or four paintings at once that were awaiting that specific color.

We also learned how Rembrandt used leftover paint from his palettes to build up the sleeves of one of his most famous paintings, The Jewish Bride, to create texture before painting the more expensive paint over it, and how he layered different shades of red to create depth in the bride’s skirt.

Oud-West

Oud-West is a trendy neighborhood just west of the city center and above the Oud-Zuid neighborhood. The neighborhood is known for its shops and restaurants.

Foodhallen

Foodhallen is one of the star attractions of the Oud-West neighborhood. Foodhallen is a food market in a former train depot. There’s live music every Tuesday night and DJs Friday and Saturday nights. Food stands sell a variety of foods including tapas, tacos, dim sum, pitas, seafood, hamburgers, frozen yogurt, and more. Bars sell wine, beer, and cocktails.

De Pijp

The De Pijp neighborhood is below the city center just east of the Oud-Zuid neighborhood. De Pijp was a working-class neighborhood, attracting people from many countries to work at the Heineken brewery. It is still a multicultural neighborhood with lots of flavors and variety.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour of the original Heineken brewery. Gerard Adriaan Heineken’s mother purchased the brewery for him and in 1873 the first Heineken beer was brewed after Dr. Elion, a student of Louis Pasteur, developed the Heineken yeast that is still used in today’s Heineken beers. Visitors learn the history of Heineken, take a peek into the stables of the Heineken horses, follow the path of beer from brew to bottle, and enjoy two Heineken beers at the Best ‘Dam Bar.

Visitors with an I amsterdam city card get 25% off the entrance fee.

Albert Cuypmarkt

The Albert Cuypmarkt runs along Albert Cuypstraat. The street market, which has been operating since 1905, has 260 stalls and operates six days a week. The market sells international foods and ingredients, traditional foods, clothing, leather goods, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.

City Center

Amsterdam’s city center is where you’ll find the most canals and tall, narrow canal houses with gable hooks for moving items in and out. It’s also where you’ll see the most bikes, outside of the bicycle parking lot of the Central Station. In fact, around 6,000 bicycles are pulled out of Amsterdam’s canals every year. It’s also where many of the city’s smaller themed museums are located like the houseboat museum and Dutch costume museum.

Anne Frank House

The top thing to do in Amsterdam is a visit to the Anne Frank House. If you haven’t read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, it’s worth reading before visiting the house and the secret annex, though the museum does a good job of telling the story briefly throughout the house. The self-guided tour visits the rooms of Anne’s father’s company, passes through the doorway hidden by a bookcase, and ends in the rooms of the secret annex where eight people, including the teenaged Anne Frank, hid for two years before they were discovered, arrested, and sent to concentration camps.

Anne Frank House Photographer Cris Toala Olivares

The I amsterdam city card does not cover the Anne Frank House. The house can only be visited with tickets purchased online for a specific date and time. Photos are not allowed anywhere inside the Anne Frank House.

Museum Van Loon

Because Amsterdam’s city center canal houses are so tall and skinny, it’s pretty hard to envision what the inside of one of them looks like. Luckily there are a few canal houses in Amsterdam that are open to the public. One of these is the Museum Van Loon. Willem van Loon was a co-founder of the East India Company VOC in 1602. The canal house, originally built in 1672, was purchased by the Van Loon family in 1884. The Van Loon family still lives in the upper floors of the house.

When Amsterdam’s canal district was designed, canal houses were meant to have large decorative private gardens. These gardens are completely hidden from the street as they are situated between the house in the front and the coach house in the back.

The Nine Streets

The Nine Streets, or De Negen Straatjes, is a neighborhood within a neighborhood. It is called Nine Streets because it is created by three parallel streets between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsegracht broken up by the Herengract and Keizersgracht canals.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam is the largest building from the Golden Age, originally built as Amsterdam’s town hall in the 17th century. The palace is open to visitors whenever there isn’t an official function happening.

Red Light District

One of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions is the red light district where sex workers pose in red lighted windows for passerbys to see. There are over 80 brothels in Amsterdam’s city center with hundreds of windows. Photos of the women in the window are strictly prohibited.

Amsterdam’s City Center Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants, sandwich shops, coffee shops, and “coffee” shops to choose from in Amsterdam. We visited two restaurants in Amsterdam’s city center with great food that have stood the test of time. One is Restaurant De Struisvogel, a basement restaurant along the Keizersgracht canal. Restaurant De Struisvogel is an intimate restaurant, with 34 seats, that serves French-style food made with organic meat.

The other restaurant was Tashi Deleg, a Tibetan and Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam’s city center which serves rijsttafel. It is imperative to have a rijsttafel meal when in Amsterdam. Rijsttafel is a Dutch word that means rice table. It is a meal the Dutch colonies in Indonesia created in order to sample many dishes in one meal. While rijsttafel is typically Indonesian food, it is a Dutch concept. At Tashi Deleg you can order a rijsttafel of either Indonesian food or Tibetan food.

Canal Cruise

A canal cruise through Amsterdam visits multiple neighborhoods in a short amount of time. The I amsterdam city card covers one free hour-long canal cruise with a choice of multiple companies with stops around the city. We chose the Hop On – Hop Off Boat canal cruise, which has a pickup point in front of the Rijksmuseum. The boat had a recorded tour in multiple languages, but we were lucky to have a captain that preferred to give us his own voiceover of the city which was far more interesting and entertaining.

He also went a little off course, causing our one-hour tour to really be more like two hours, but it was totally worth it. For instance, we passed by some pretty crooked houses. Some of Amsterdam’s houses look like they’re leaning forward. That’s on purpose so it’s easier to pull items up with the gable hooks without the items hitting the front of the building. But some of the crooked houses are actually leaning this way and that because the wood pylons stuck in the marshy land that Amsterdam is built on are decaying.

Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam

Bilderberg is a Netherlands hotel group, with two hotels in Amsterdam. We stayed at the Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam in the affluent Oud-Zuid neighborhood, away from the congested city center but close enough to reach everything easily by foot or tram.

What we liked about the Bilderberg Garden Hotel Amsterdam was the unique mix of friendly, personable service at a hotel that is good both for business travelers and leisure travelers, all with an intimate atmosphere.

We also liked the Bilderberg Breakfast which helped us start every day with energy, especially important since it was winter. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant, De Kersentuin Restaurant.

The hotel also has a bar, De Kersentuin Bar, which serves apple pie in addition to cocktails.

We stayed in an executive room on the top floor, a private floor reachable with the executive lift. Rooms on this floor have curved floor to ceiling windows, providing a somewhat panoramic view while maintaining privacy. Guests with executive rooms are also able to walk outside on a patio that wraps around the building.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a very walkable city, but it’s also easy to get around by public transportation. Trams and buses crisscross the city. The I amsterdam city card provides free entrance to most museums and tours and discounts to some museums, restaurants and shops. It also includes free access to all GVB bus, tram, and metro lines within Amsterdam. If you’re brave enough, it can also be used to get discounts on bicycle rentals.

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is valid for one, two or three calendar days. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can be used on all metro, tram, and bus lines operated by GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, and EBS, as well as NS trains in the Amsterdam area, including to and from the airport. With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, visitors can explore the areas surrounding Amsterdam, such as Haarlem, Old Holland, and Amsterdam’s castles and gardens. There are some helpful apps to plan routes and find schedules including the GVB app and NS app.

This mysterious landmass was off-limits to outsiders until the 1990s, due to its strategic importance to the Soviet military’s nuclear submarine bases.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Sunset

A City Surrounded by Volcanos

The Kamchatka Penninsula

No roads lead into Kamchatka, the only way to visit is by sea or air. The peninsula was once part of the Bering land bridge that connected Asia to North America.

Part of the Pacific Ocean’s notorious Ring Of Fire, Kamchatka boasts 0 different volcanoes, 30 of them active. It’s also teeming with wildlife, including a massive population of Grizzly bears.

The land has many similarities with Alaska, and was the perfect location for an adventure travel photography tour that I was co-leading with fellow travel photographer Matt Reichel.

Our mission? Take a group of adventure-lovers into the heart of this lesser-known wilderness to meet with nomadic Even reindeer herders who live there.

The Small Village of Esso

Preparing For Our Expedition

We first flew into Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Kamchatka’s small Soviet-style capital city surrounded by volcanoes. Followed by a 6-hour bus ride to the small village of Esso, our jumping off point for the rest of the trip.

In Esso we secure snowmobiles, food, and supplies. We also meet up with our local backcountry guides and drivers, preparing to explore Kamchatka’s Ichinsky District for the next week.

There’s Vlad, a Belarusian fixer/translator and geological scientist who’s been living in Kamchatka researching active volcanoes. Igor is the rugged Russian team leader and former park ranger for Bystrinsky National Park.

Ilya and his wife Dasha are our indigenous Even guides, and key to helping us track the Taboons (nomadic reindeer herding communities on the tundra).

Snowmobiling through the Mountains of Kamchatka

Navigating the Rough Landscapes

Backcountry Snowmobiling Adventure

Leaving civilization, our small convoy of 5 snowmobiles pulls sleds full of gear (and ourselves) through forests of fresh snow under the shadow of massive volcanoes.

Traveling by snowmobile out here is a challenging endeavor!

Sometimes you need to lean with your driver in order to navigate sharp turns, much like a motorcycle.

Occasionally dodging tree branches and always prepared to jump-off in an emergency to avoid getting crushed by the sled.

And jump-off we did, many times! When a snowmobile tips over into deep snow, it often takes a good 10-15 minutes to dig it out too.

Then there are tricky river crossings requiring careful maneuvers, sometimes building temporary bridges by hand using tree saplings and branches covered with snow.

Just traveling out to visit these reindeer herds was an adventure itself.

Even Reindeer Taboon

Did you know some reindeer are white?

Even Reindeer Taboons

After a long day of snowmobile travel through thick forests, high alpine tundra, steep mountain passes, and semi-frozen rivers in Kamchatka’s Ichinkski district, we arrive at the first reindeer taboon.

The Even have a long history of reindeer husbandry, making a living (and living off of) semi-domesticated herds of animals in Russia’s Far East and Siberian wilderness areas.

These days reindeer meat is sold to the Russian government and other companies around the world as a luxury product that can fetch up to $10 a pound. Antlers are sold to China and ground into “medicines”.

We spend an hour pitching camp behind a huge snow drift, including digging a “snow toilet” to protect us from the wind – which becomes important later.

Kiryak walks through his herd of Reindeer…

Making new Friends in Russia!

Hanging Out With The Herd

The next morning Kiryak takes us out into the forest to meet his huge herd of reindeer, and it’s quite a sight!

Dressed in camo, with a rifle slung on his back, he shouts and whistles while trekking over the snow on a pair of homemade wooden skis — all 1200 animals following behind him like some kind of wilderness pied-piper.

The reindeer then begin to dig through the snow, munching away at the hidden grasses they prefer to eat. We’re able to walk among them, shooting photos and just watching their behavior.

Skinning and preparing the animal for its meat.

Living Off Reindeer Meat

Our hosts then proceed to shoot a reindeer, something they do every few weeks. The Even live off this meat and use the pelt as warm sleeping pads and protective clothing.

We’ve brought in supplies from the village to trade in exchange for a supply of fresh meat, which will sustain us for the rest of our voyage.

The only catch, is having to watch one get butchered…

WARNING: The following few paragraphs include semi-graphic descriptions of the killing and skinning of animals. Feel free to skip it.

Click To Read Graphic Content

If you haven’t seen it before, watching an animal get slaughtered in front of you can be pretty jarring the first time.

It really makes you appreciate where your meat comes from.

Skin is peeled off with the aid of sharp hunting knives, internal organs removed, and the meat is separated by head, legs, and ribs for easy transport back to camp.

Finally, a steaming cup of raw reindeer blood is passed between the Even. They drink to honor the sacrifice this animal made. It’s offered to us as guests, and a few of us give it a try…

It’s warm and tastes of iron, with mystery chunks of flesh floating around.

Crazy winds blow through our campsite!

Snowmobiling on the Alpine Tundra

Dangerous Weather Moves In

Back at camp, we fire up the stove and feast on tasty bowls of hearty reindeer stew before settling into our tents for the night.

However, sleep is interrupted around 4am when wind picks up drastically and buries our campsite with snow drifts. A layer of frost covers our sleeping bags.

The morning is chaos. Sixty miles per hour winds and sub-zero temperatures force us to break camp in the middle of a whiteout.

Not sure how long it will take us to find the next taboon, we evacuate back to Esso for a night due to the bad weather, some of us showing signs of frostbite.

Herders live in Portable Yurts

Legend Of The Whales

After our break in Esso, we’re back on the trail again, spending the next four days tracking down another taboon in the wilderness.

Some families live in a portable yurt, moving with the herd every few weeks.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

6: “A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints.” – Wilfred Peterson

7: “When a man is a traveler, the world is his home and the sky is his roof, where he hangs his hat is his home and all the people are his family.” – Drew Bundini Brown

8: “I travel because I’d rather look back at my life, saying ‘I can’t believe I did that’ instead of ‘if only I had’.” – Florine Bos

9: “You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong” – Sue Fitzmaurice

The purpose of life is to live it!

10: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

11: “Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey

12: “I travel because I become uncomfortable being too comfortable.” – Carew Papritz

13: “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.” – John Lubbock

14: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” ― Hunter S. Thompson

If happiness is the goal then adventures should be…

15: “If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.” – Richard Branson

16: “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.” – Freya Stark

17: “Then I realized that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid. So I did it. I lost my fear and gained my whole life.” – Anonymous

18: “One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.” – Ella Maillart

19: “If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” – Angelina Jolie

The danger of adventure is worth…

20: “The danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort.” – Paulo Coelho

21: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau

22: “If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet.” – Patrick Rothfuss

23: “The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.” – Anonymous

24: “When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

25: “The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir

26: “I urge you; go find buildings and mountains and oceans to swallow you whole. They will save you, in a way nothing else can.” – Christopher Poindexter

27: “I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” – Diane Ackerman

28: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S Eliot

29: “I love the places that make you realize how small you and your problems are.” – Anonymous

30: “Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life” – John Amat

31: “Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” — Bob Bitchin

32: “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

36: “I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” – Eric Roth

37: “Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.” ― Roy T. Bennett

38: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

I love all the quotes. I travel the world to experience life from someone else’s perspective. I take photos to share those experiences with others. The smiles and good will I have shared in S.E. Asia, Botswana, So. Africa, Costa Rica, Egypt and Jordan just this year make me hungry for more contact with a world bigger than my small community at home.

6: “A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints.” – Wilfred Peterson

7: “When a man is a traveler, the world is his home and the sky is his roof, where he hangs his hat is his home and all the people are his family.” – Drew Bundini Brown

8: “I travel because I’d rather look back at my life, saying ‘I can’t believe I did that’ instead of ‘if only I had’.” – Florine Bos

9: “You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong” – Sue Fitzmaurice

The purpose of life is to live it!

10: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

11: “Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey

12: “I travel because I become uncomfortable being too comfortable.” – Carew Papritz

13: “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.” – John Lubbock

14: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” ― Hunter S. Thompson

Your adventures should be a top priority…

15: “If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.” – Richard Branson

16: “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.” – Freya Stark

17: “Then I realized that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid. So I did it. I lost my fear and gained my whole life.” – Anonymous

18: “One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.” – Ella Maillart

19: “If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” – Angelina Jolie

The danger of adventure is worth it.

20: “The danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort.” – Paulo Coelho

21: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau

22: “If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet.” – Patrick Rothfuss

23: “The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.” – Anonymous

24: “When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I want to see the world before I die.

25: “The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir

26: “I urge you; go find buildings and mountains and oceans to swallow you whole. They will save you, in a way nothing else can.” – Christopher Poindexter

27: “I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” – Diane Ackerman

28: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S Eliot

29: “I love the places that make you realize how small you and your problems are.” – Anonymous

Adventure is an attitude for every day life.

30: “Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life” – John Amat

31: “Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” — Bob Bitchin

32: “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

36: “I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” – Eric Roth

37: “Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.” ― Roy T. Bennett

38: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Online translation is one of the best careers for language lovers who wish to see the world without compromising their professional goals.

Unlike teaching English as a foreign language, translating may give you more flexibility and financial freedom, akin to other popular digital nomad careers such as freelance writing or graphic design.

You may choose who to work with, where to work from, when to work, and even how much you earn.

However, if you want to make a living with online translation, it’s not as easy as just being bilingual. In fact, many unsuspecting prospects don’t realize it can take years to build up the knowledge and references to become successful (a.k.a. well-paid) in this field.

But don’t fret! I’m going to share how to get started with online translation, and some of the best lessons I’ve learned for success after a decade in this business.

This makes online translation the preferred career track for those who wish to have the freedom to travel the world and work from anywhere.

Selection Of A Language Pair

Translators work in language pairs, so you must pick the two languages you are most proficient in to get started.

You are expected to specify your language pair(s) on your resume or professional profile, accordingly.

Most importantly, the language pair you choose to work with will also play an important role in determining your earning potential for any translator job.

In the rare occasion that you’re allowed to translate into a target language that isn’t your native one, a bachelor’s degree and/or significant professional experience in-country is typically required.

Highest Paying Language Pairs

“At an average of $0.19 per word, the language combinations commanding the highest rate per word were English into Arabic and English into Danish. At an average of $0.12 per word, the language combinations commanding the lowest rate were English into Italian and English into Portuguese. The highest average hourly rates by language combination were English into Chinese ($74.92) and Chinese into English ($65.79).”

The following article by TranslationRules.com may also help you better understand competition, demand, and earnings for translators as they relate to selection of language pairs.

My primary language pair is English into Spanish, as I’m a native Spanish speaker (that being my target language here); while my secondary language pair is Spanish into English, as English is my second language and I can read and write it at a professional level.

Even though this is the language pair with the highest demand and competition for translation jobs, I still managed to earn six-figures working in the United States.

Working while Traveling

Become An Outstanding Writer

Being bilingual is not enough to become a competent freelance translator. In fact, you also must be an excellent writer in both languages and highly skilled in your industry (niche) of choice.

Moreover, there are many cultural nuances in language that you won’t learn unless you experience it in a country that speaks it.

Truth be told, I was not ready to be a professional translator until I finished four years of intense writing courses in an American college and lived in the United States.

Ways to properly prepare for an online translation career and improve your language skills include taking advantage of study abroad programs, enrolling for classes in a foreign university or hire a private language tutor from your country of interest.

Picking A Niche For Translation

Picking a niche or specialty in the language industry is as important as deciding whether you want to be a translator or an interpreter, as this will dictate the other set of skills and abilities you will need to develop before your career (and pay) takes off.

Individual translation project length is typically linked to its niche, so take that into consideration when comparing the industries you’re interested in.

Your obvious passions may not necessarily be the industries you want to be translating in, so I suggest you practice translating your top topics at home in order to zero in on your ideal translation niche.

Interested in translating websites about general topics such as tourism, lifestyle or celebrity news?

Becoming an expert on website localization and frequently reading about those topics in both languages of your pair should be part of your career development in order to have a competitive edge.

A bachelor’s degree in creative writing and/or translation in either language may be a good idea in order to land internships during your studies and/or a good entry-level translation position.

I highly recommend a bachelor’s degree in your technical field of choice, with a related entry-level translation job post-graduation for a minimum of two years.

A master’s degree in translation and/or the selected technical field is also recommended in lieu of an entry-level translation job.

Either track — getting a higher-education degree in translation or two years of translation experience — will typically give you the minimum skills and preparation necessary to sit for and successfully pass a translation certification examination such as the ATA’s, if that’s what you’re interested in.

Freelance Language Translation

Should You Get Certified?

Getting certified as a freelance translator is as much a personal as it is a professional choice. No translation degree or certification is technically required — but it can help.

One of the nice reality checks, when I started translating, is that no translation degree or certification is required for many translator jobs unless you’re interested in a specialized field such as medical or legal.

The flip side is that, if you are certified, you are more likely to land a better translation job — or any translation project for that matter.

More likely than not, whether you get certified will depend on the niche or industry you select to work in.

Interestingly, top certification bodies such as the ATA only recommend certification to experienced, mid-career translators anyway, so I suggest you experiment translating in different industries to get a feel of what you’re really passionate about.

An ATA certification, along with other local and foreign equivalents, typically gives you an edge when applying for full-time technical translator positions or technical freelance projects online.

While this also applies to prospective non-technical online translators, references/a portfolio are more valued in the latter than the former (from my personal experience).

Still, I advise you to look up the eligibility criteria for freelance translator positions in your industries of choice for more insight related to your top niches and/or their certification requirements.

Be Willing To Work For Less

Well, at least at first.

I officially started my translating career by working for a startup while I was still in college. This first translation job is actually what helped me zero in on the niche I was interested in.

Since I didn’t have a translation degree, didn’t have a translation certification, and graduated amid the Great Recession, I was grateful and simply saw the low starting salary as a paid internship (even though it wasn’t).

All they asked me to do to prove I could do the job? Translate a sample during the interview – that was it!

So my starting salary was way less than the average college graduate is “supposed” to get. But you know what? I gained so much experience on this job, got promoted to project manager within 18 months, and that bona fide translation reference helped me get my foot in the door of the world of freelance translation.

This position also led me to other projects that I was passionate about (tourism/marketing), as it built up my confidence and resume to successfully network with destination marketing professionals on travel blogging conferences.

The Small Projects Matter

Still working on your writing skills or simply trying to get some translation experience?

Small jobs or projects such as translating restaurant menus in a foreign country can not only help you improve with real-world practice but can surprisingly serve as excellent networking opportunities.

Word-of-mouth goes a long way, particularly abroad! You can also pursue these kinds of opportunities in international neighborhoods within your city, whose businesses may have a need for quality translations within your language pair.

Make your professional profile stand out. Even if you have little to no translation experience, setting up an online professional profile is one of the most important steps of your career.

If you have not built a translation portfolio yet, I recommend you post samples of translations you have done in your spare time of topics or industries you are interested in working in.

This will allow prospective employers and recruiters to see the quality of your translations early on.

I landed several interviews by doing this!

REMEMBER: Both volunteer and paid translation projects and positions count, so fill out your online profile as thoroughly as possible, updating it whenever you start or finish a relevant project or position.

Don’t forget to include any awards, company goals attained, etc.

The ProZ Job Board

Finding Online Translation Jobs

While ProZ and Translators Cafe are some of the best websites for translators looking for paid projects or positions, it may be hard to compete with the more experienced translators who typically bid on those job boards.

Thus, if you are a beginner, I recommend you look into People Per Hour, Upwork or Fiverr for shorter, typically-lower-competition translation projects to build up your portfolio.

Most importantly, be creative! A unique way I landed some of my first freelance translation jobs involved reaching out to the marketing/public affairs contacts of multilingual online travel websites or magazines to see if they needed freelance translators for individual projects or ask if were hiring entry-level translators.

Additionally, I went to travel blogging and tourism conferences, networking with destination marketing professionals to land this type of translation projects.

Applying For Translation Projects

Making your online professional translator profile stand out is just as important as crafting a successful pitch. The best pitches are those that are brief, concise, and personalized to each translation project you are bidding for.

That being said, there are certain elements that should be included in all of your pitches: your current per-word rates in the currency of the offer, a brief byline highlighting your years of experience and how that experience or areas of specialization match with the translation project being offered.

Below is a sample pitch I successfully used early in my translation career. I included/excluded information depending on the client or project at hand:

Dear _,

My current rates are USD $0.10 per word or USD $25/hr for proofreading, meaning I can complete your web project for a total of $___ – well within your budget. I am able to deliver the completed project before your desired deadline.

About me: I studied and lived in Latin America for 18 years; have been a volunteer translator for 8 years, and have more than 3 years of full-time experience as a professional marketing, localization, and translation manager. Additionally, I’m a freelance translator and bilingual travel writer (Spanish and English).

References and endorsements can be found in my LinkedIn profile, which I have included below:

Average Translation Project Length

There’s no real way of telling what your average project length will be, as it highly depends on your niche and which projects you apply for.

However, I can tell you from personal experience that website articles/blog posts average between 500-1200 words; press releases hover around 1000 words; and full website localizations can be in the hundreds of thousands of words, as you also have to translate backend items such as text on menus, photo captions, alt text, and other SEO metadata.

Interested in becoming a technical translator? Unless you are translating blog posts or website articles for a tech site, you will likely be translating guides or manuals containing hundreds of thousands of words.

If you are easily bored, this is not a field for you, as you could be working on the same guide/manual translation for weeks or even months.

Charge Per Word, Not Per Project

When looking for online translation jobs or projects you will find that the most common way translators charge for work is per word, not per project.

Per-word rates vary widely depending on industry, technicality of a particular project, and popularity/demand-supply of the language pair.

For example, even experienced English-Spanish translators rarely earn over US $0.20 per word unless they work in very technical fields or hold a full-time position that includes website localization and bilingual marketing.

By contrast, English-Arabic translators can easily expect to earn up to US $0.40 per word for freelance projects or $0,000 for salaried positions when working with an American or European client, even in fields not considered as technical.

A simple Google search (i.e. “per word rate French into English translators”) will help you calculate an average that is best for you, your language pair, and location of your desired clientele.

From personal experience, I have found that a good starting point for beginner online translation jobs in my language pair (English into Spanish and vice versa) is US $0.10 per word.

Per-word rates is a highly debatable topic and some translators still feel $0.10 per word is a lowball offer.

How To Get Paid As A Translator

Most translator or freelance marketplaces make clients pay you via PayPal, so expect to lose about 4% of the total of each translation project — in addition to any other fees each particular marketplace may or may not charge.

Some freelance marketplaces offer the option to get paid by ACH or check from the client, but be careful: these payment methods usually don’t include a protection by the marketplace, which exposes you to fraud and scams.

Best way to get around this? Bid for translation projects with established companies, which you can identify by visiting the profile of each translation offer.

This way, you can reach out to the translation company separately through their official website, in the hopes that they will broker future deals directly through you and without the middleman marketplace.

You can then request they send you money via other methods with lower to no fees. I did this to establish certain business relationships, plus avoided all fees by getting paid by check (which was sent within the U.S.), then have it mobile-deposited into an account by a trusted family member.

If you plan to become a freelance translator to travel the world however, it is unlikely you will be able to avoid all fees if you wish to get paid safely (and electronically).

Telecommuting Translator Positions

Those who are not as comfortable working on an independent contractor basis (a.k.a. freelancing) and beginners should also look into telecommuting translator positions.

Benefits include a predetermined salary, payment via ACH or direct deposit (bye-bye fees), a set amount of hours worked per week, paid leave, and even health insurance coverage and 401(k) for some U.S.-based positions.

I highly recommend this type of telecommuting opportunities to translators with little to no experience, as they can be a great career launching pad.

Some companies offer apprenticeships, certifications, and/or other valuable perks in addition to the aforementioned benefits.

This is a great way to build up your resume before going solo, as you are unlikely to be awarded high-paying freelance translation projects without solid references.

Remember: you must build a strong foundation as competition can be fierce, especially for the most common language pairs such as Spanish into English, French into English, Italian into English, and vice versa.

Initiative & Networking Are Key

Whichever track you choose, I can assure you that individual preparation and networking will be the main key to success as a translator.

I have two bachelor’s degrees in criminology and political science; have 8 years of professional translation experience, but only got certified in interpretation by a former company I work for; I never got certified in translation.

Yet, I still earn six figures as a chief Spanish translator in the public affairs/marketing/law enforcement/tourism industries in the U.S. I currently work full-time for one client—occasionally doing other side gigs/passion projects.

I got where I got by experimenting with translation gigs in different industries early in my career, in addition to individually honing my writing skills in both languages and networking online, or with industry conferences to obtain gigs/projects that eventually became part of my translation portfolio.

As you can see, your ability to hustle independently will be the major predictor of how successful you’ll be as a freelance nomadic translator! ★

Alexandra Laborde de Bess is the author of LatinAbroad.com, where she shares her struggles living with chronic pain, travel tales, and advice after exploring over 30 countries across 5 continents. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest!

Freelance Translator Resources

r/TranslationStudies – A Reddit community featuring articles, tips, and resources for people who work as translators.

ProZ.com – The most popular job board for finding online translation work.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Chichen Itza Ruins: Mexico’s Wonder Of The World

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The Ancient Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The history of Chichén Itzá is not for the faint of heart. These Mayan ruins are shrouded in mystery and have a way of haunting you long after returning home from Mexico.

Once you finally get past an army of local vendors at the entrance, the ancient stone carvings of fearsome creatures and bloodthirsty warriors at Chichen Itza inspire awe and trigger unease at the same time.

This pre-Hispanic city (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) has a fascinating 1,000-year-old history. It is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico, partly due to its close proximity to Cancun.

Located in the Yucatan Penninsula, the ruins are extensive and cover 740 acres. Many sections have still never been excavated.

Travel Video: Mysterious Chichen Itza

El Castillo Pyramid

Once you enter Chichen Itza, you can’t miss the 98-foot tall pyramid Temple Of Kukulkan (aka “El Castillo”) which dominates the northern part of the city. Not as large as the pyramids of Giza, but impressive nonetheless!

Kukulkan is a feathered snake deity in the Mayan religion. The pyramid is guarded by enormous carved serpent heads at the base of the stairs.

The Mesoamerican fascination with stars and planets mean the pyramid’s four stairways represent the four points of a compass. There are 365 steps too, one for each day in the solar calendar.

If you REALLY want a treat, visit El Castillo in March or September during the annual equinoxes. At sunset, a play of light and shadow creates the eerie effect of a snake gradually slithering down the staircase…

Temple Of The Warriors

The Temple Of The Warriors is another impressive structure at Chichen Itza. Some of the 0 columns on the south side depict warriors in bas-relief.

The columns once supported a roof system that is long gone.

Also known as the Hall of the Thousand Columns, this grand space might have been a meeting place or an indoor market.

A Chac Mool tops the broad staircase, distinctive statues found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Reclining figures holding bowls with their heads turned at a 0-degree angle and propped on their elbows.

They might represent temple guardians or slain warriors bearing gifts to Chac, the god of rain.

In Maya religious ceremonies, stone dishes probably held offerings such as incense, tobacco, tamales or tortillas. In Aztec rituals, they more likely held human hearts.

The Mesoamerican Ballgame

Oldest Sport in the World?

The Maya Ball Court

Off to the left of the main pyramid, you’ll find the famed Maya ball court. While many sites include ball courts, the one at Chichen Itza is the largest in the world.

Maya athletes played a game where the object was to put a rubber ball (representing the sun) into a small stone circle perched very high on a wall, without using your hands OR feet.

Some carvings suggest that the winning team’s captain was decapitated, which was a sign of honor. The ball game is over 3,500 years old, making it the first organized game in the history of sports.

Some of the games were played to resolve arguments between rival cities or as an alternative to all-out war.

The Sacred Cenote

Cenote De Los Sacrificios

Chichen Itza means “mouth of the well of Itza” in the local Maya language. One possible translation of Itza is “enchanted water.” The Yucatan is covered in cenotes — distinctive limestone sinkholes that form natural pools.

Cenotes have deep spiritual significance for the Maya. Many scholars believe Chichen Itza was built solely because of the large cenote located here, which provided people with fresh water.

Cenote de los Sacrificios (also known as the Sacred Cenote) measures about 0 feet across with sheer cliffs that drop to the water’s surface. During severe droughts, worshippers tried to appease their rain god Chac by sacrificing special items or people (!) they weren’t very fond of.

Dredging this cenote uncovered thousands of artifacts made of gold, jade and copper. Numerous human skeletons with sacrificial wounds littered the depths as well…

La Iglesia Structure

The Wall of Skulls

More Cool Archeological Structures

Tzompantli means “wall of skulls,” and this next attraction lives up to its name. The large platform supported stakes on which decapitated human heads were impaled on top of each other.

The unfortunate victims were enemies defeated in battle or prisoners of war sacrificed to the gods. Whimsical skull carvings around the base are a nice touch.

This exhibit would have scared the living daylights out of would-be enemies.

A more elaborate platform nearby is known as House of the Eagles. Its motif is similarly creepy. Eagles and jaguars, symbolizing Toltec sacrificial warriors depicted clutching human hearts.

One of the most interesting structures is El Caracol, which functioned as an observatory. There are many more fascinating stops at Chichen Itza, so plan to spend at least 3 – 4 hours to see it all.

Popular Cenote Ik Kil

Less Crowded Cenote Zaci

Swimming In Cenotes Nearby

While you can’t swim in the cenote at Chichen Itza itself (unless you want to join the skeletons at the bottom!) there are others nearby where you can.

The closest cenote, and most popular with tour buses, is called Ik Kil. While it’s a pretty one, it’s always packed with people and feels like a tourist trap. I’d probably skip it.

If you want a more authentic cenote experience, I’d recommend cooling off in the cenotes near the town of Valladolid. These include Cenote Zaci, Cenote Dzitnup, or Cenote Suytun.

Navigating the Local Vendors

Getting To The Ruins

The ruins of Chichen Itza are about 197 kilometers (2 hours) from Cancun or 181 kilometers (2 hours) from Playa del Carmen by car. It’s also about 1.5 hours away from Merida.

The smaller town of Valladolid is another option. From here the ruins are less than an hour away.

Rental Car

RentalCars.com searches all the big car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car in Mexico.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, the “libre” road runs parallel to the main toll highway and goes through a bunch of smaller villages for a more authentic feel of Mexico.

By Bus

Mexican ADO Bus Service from Cancun to Chichen Itza costs about $202 MXN ($9) one way and takes 3 hours. From Valladolid, there’s bus service every 30 minutes for about $26 MXN

Collectivo Taxi

Colectivos van taxis leave Valladolid from a lot just east of the bus station and cost $35 MXN.

Different View of the Pyramid

Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

Tickets cost $242 MXN ($11 USD). If you pay cash, only pesos are accepted. You can rent a locker for large bags and valuables.

There’s an evening “light & sound” show at 7pm in fall and winter and 8pm in spring and summer. It’s included in the price of admission.

Try to visit first thing in the morning when they open, or late in the afternoon to avoid the huge tour-bus crowds.

Consider splurging on a guided tour. There are information plaques at each attraction, but nothing like the insight you’ll get from a local guide.

Tourists can no longer climb to the top of the Kukulkan Pyramid due to UNESCO status and a few deaths over the years from falling.

The sun is unrelenting. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen and take plenty of water. If possible, arrive as soon as the gates open in the morning.

The mediocre food on-site is expensive. You can get much better stuff down the street at the village of Pisté for a lot less.

Avoid the vendors selling souvenirs at the entrance. Yes, tourists support their livelihood, but many of them sneak in without authorization, and it’s become a bit of a circus.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

10 Comments

Love the photos. We went in 2016. Really looking forward to going back in 2019. We loved the village of Piste. The street flooded calf-deep when we were there. We sat in the red plastic lawn chairs, eating our panuchas and watching the world go by like the water was no big deal.

Historic sites like these with scientists still uncovering fascinating facts (pyramids inside of pyramids?!) are my favorites. It’s just more proof that we never know everything, and there’s always more to explore!

Excellent write-up, Matt! You did not just write a guide, but also add facts and showing historical points that make us readers even more interested in visiting Chichen Itza. I’m a sucker for places with haunting histories and this page will surely come in handy when I finally make it to Yucatan, Mexico!

Hey Pete, glad you enjoyed it! The history at Chichen Itza is pretty fascinating and really adds to the visit. Apparently, there’s a red & jade Jaguar throne at the top of the pyramid too! Wish we could have seen that…

Exploring Chichen Itza: Mexico’s Wonder Of The World

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The history of Chichén Itzá is not for the faint of heart. These Mayan ruins are shrouded in mystery and have a way of haunting you long after returning home from Mexico.

Once you finally get past an army of local vendors at the entrance, the ancient stone carvings of fearsome creatures and bloodthirsty warriors at Chichen Itza inspire awe and trigger unease at the same time.

This pre-Hispanic city (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) has a fascinating 1,000-year-old history. It is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico, partly due to its close proximity to Cancun.

Located in the Yucatan Penninsula, the ruins are extensive and cover 740 acres. Many sections have still never been excavated.

If you REALLY want a treat, visit the pyramid in March or September during the annual equinoxes. At sunset, a play of light and shadow creates the eerie effect of a snake gradually slithering down the staircase!

Temple Of The Warriors

The Temple Of The Warriors is another impressive structure at Chichen Itza. Some of the 0 columns on the south side depict warriors in bas-relief.

The columns once supported a roof system that is long gone.

Also known as the Hall of the Thousand Columns, this grand space might have been a meeting place or an indoor market.

A Chac Mool tops the broad staircase, distinctive statues found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Reclining figures holding bowls with their heads turned at a 0-degree angle and propped on their elbows.

They might represent temple guardians or slain warriors bearing gifts to Chac, the god of rain.

In Maya religious ceremonies, stone dishes probably held offerings such as incense, tobacco, tamales or tortillas. In Aztec rituals, they more likely held human hearts.

The Mesoamerican Ballgame

Oldest Sport in the World?

The Maya Ball Court

Off to the left of the main pyramid, you’ll find the famed Maya ball court. While many sites include ball courts, the one at Chichen Itza is the largest in the world.

Maya athletes played a game where the object was to put a rubber ball (representing the sun) into a small stone circle perched very high on a wall, without using your hands OR feet.

Some carvings suggest that the winning team’s captain was decapitated, which was a sign of honor. The ball game is over 3,500 years old, making it the first organized game in the history of sports.

Some of the games were played to resolve arguments between rival cities or as an alternative to all-out war.

The Sacred Cenote

Cenote De Los Sacrificios

Chichen Itza means “mouth of the well of Itza” in the local Maya language. One possible translation of Itza is “enchanted water.” The Yucatan is covered in cenotes — distinctive limestone sinkholes that form natural pools.

Cenotes have deep spiritual significance for the Maya. Many scholars believe Chichen Itza was built solely because of the large cenote located here, which provided people with fresh water.

Cenote de los Sacrificios (also known as the Sacred Cenote) measures about 0 feet across with sheer cliffs that drop to the water’s surface. During severe droughts, worshippers tried to appease their rain god Chac by sacrificing special items or people (!) they weren’t very fond of.

Dredging this cenote uncovered thousands of artifacts made of gold, jade and copper. Numerous human skeletons with sacrificial wounds littered the depths as well…

La Iglesia Structure

The Wall of Skulls

More Cool Archeological Structures

Tzompantli means “wall of skulls,” and this next attraction lives up to its name. The large platform supported stakes on which decapitated human heads were impaled on top of each other.

The unfortunate victims were enemies defeated in battle or prisoners of war sacrificed to the gods. Whimsical skull carvings around the base are a nice touch.

This exhibit would have scared the living daylights out of would-be enemies.

A more elaborate platform nearby is known as House of the Eagles. Its motif is similarly creepy. Eagles and jaguars, symbolizing Toltec sacrificial warriors depicted clutching human hearts.

One of the most interesting structures is El Caracol, which functioned as an observatory. There are many more fascinating stops at Chichen Itza, so plan to spend at least 3 – 4 hours to see it all.

Popular Cenote Ik Kil

Less Crowded Cenote Zaci

Swimming In Cenotes Nearby

While you can’t swim in the cenote at Chichen Itza itself (unless you want to join the skeletons at the bottom!) there are others nearby where you can.

The closest cenote, and most popular with tour buses, is called Ik Kil. While it’s a pretty one, it’s always packed with people and feels like a tourist trap. I’d probably skip it.

If you want a more authentic cenote experience, I’d recommend cooling off in the cenotes near the town of Valladolid. These include Cenote Zaci, Cenote Dzitnup, or Cenote Suytun.

Navigating the Local Vendors

Getting To The Ruins

The ruins of Chichen Itza are about 197 kilometers (2 hours) from Cancun or 181 kilometers (2 hours) from Playa del Carmen by car. It’s also about 1.5 hours away from Merida.

The smaller town of Valladolid is another option. From here the ruins are less than an hour away.

Rental Car

RentalCars.com searches all the big car rental companies and finds the best price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a car in Mexico.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, the “libre” road runs parallel to the main toll highway and goes through a bunch of smaller villages for a more authentic feel of Mexico.

By Bus

Mexican ADO Bus Service from Cancun to Chichen Itza costs about $202 MXN ($9) one way and takes 3 hours. From Valladolid, there’s bus service every 30 minutes for about $26 MXN

Collectivo Taxi

Colectivos van taxis leave Valladolid from a lot just east of the bus station and cost $35 MXN.

Different View of the Pyramid

Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

Tickets cost $242 MXN ($11 USD). If you pay cash, only pesos are accepted. You can rent a locker for large bags and valuables.

There’s an evening “light & sound” show at 7pm in fall and winter and 8pm in spring and summer. It’s included in the price of admission.

Try to visit first thing in the morning when they open, or late in the afternoon to avoid the huge tour-bus crowds.

Consider splurging on a guided tour. There are information plaques at each attraction, but nothing like the insight you’ll get from a local guide.

Tourists can no longer climb to the top of the Kukulkan Pyramid due to UNESCO status and a few deaths over the years from falling.

The sun is unrelenting. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen and take plenty of water. If possible, arrive as soon as the gates open in the morning.

The mediocre food on-site is expensive. You can get much better stuff down the street at the village of Pisté for a lot less.

Avoid the vendors selling souvenirs at the entrance. Yes, tourists support their livelihood, but many of them sneak in without authorization, and it’s become a bit of a circus.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Best Travel Gifts Under $100

A must-have for international travel to keep yourself safe from sickness. The LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle cleans up 99.9% of waterborne parasites & bacteria from water sources in countries where water quality can be an issue.

The 2nd stage activated carbon filter reduces odor and chlorine aftertastes too. I also use mine for day-hiking trips. They have a minimalist straw version, for people who prefer their own container. Long-lasting filter – handles 1000 liters.

We all use our smartphones, cameras, and other portable gadgets a lot. There’s nothing worse than running low on power when you need it the most. For travelers, this can be an extra headache if your ticket confirmations, directions, or translation app lives on your phone.

The Anker PowerCore 10,000 is about the size of a credit card (just thicker) and can fully charge your smartphone up to 3 times! It has a smart quick-charge technology and is the smallest & most powerful power bank in its class. I also use mine to recharge cameras, my Kindle, and more.

Travel neck pillows are one of the most popular items to pack for long-haul flights. But many of them don’t live up to the job of supporting your neck comfortably. The Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow is crazy comfortable, packs down small, and holds your neck in an ergonomic position for sleeping.

I never fly without mine! I’ve tried every travel pillow there is, and this is the best. However if you’re looking for something that packs down even smaller, the TRTL Travel Pillow is pretty good too. It’s just not quite as comfortable as the Cabeau.

Maybe not be something you actually bring with you traveling, a fun desk globe is a perfect accessory to show off inside the home of a travel addict. The Antique Ocean Desk Globe is a quirky conversation piece and wanderlust-inspiring planning tool for your next travel adventure.

Your favorite traveler can day-dream about exploring Africa, South America, Central Asia, or any other destination from the comfort of their desk at work or at home. I’m planning new adventures looking at this thing right now!

Packing cubes! The best way to keep your luggage organized. My personal favorites are these from Eagle Creek. They weigh almost nothing and can hold a lot of clothing.

The garment folder, in particular, is a wonderful way to keep your shirts and/or pants wrinkle-free. I use the medium sized cube for my collection of t-shirts and sweatshirts, and the smaller cube for underwear & socks.

Gifts For Travelers Under $25

Have you ever found yourself in a situation when your suitcase was too heavy to check on a plane? Or you bought too many souvenirs and ran out of space? I have. That’s why these days I carry a packable duffel bag as a backup.

But that’s not its only use! You can use it as a makeshift beach bag, laundry bag, or grocery bag too. I also use it when I’m hiking & camping abroad, to help store extra gear/clothing in a hotel’s storage room, so I don’t have to bring everything into the mountains.

If you travel internationally quite a bit, your passport is going to get pretty beat-up. That’s why I love my simple, lightweight passport wallet from SimpacX. It gives just enough protection, without being bulky.

You can also use it to hold credit cards, airline boarding passes, and extra cash. Keep your passport looking like new, so you don’t have any trouble at customs & immigration due to worn-out travel documents!

In order to use your electronics in foreign countries, you’re going to need a great international travel adapter plug for different sockets. I’ve tried them all, and this one from BONAZZA is hands-down the best!

Not only does it accept 2 or 3 pronged plugs for use in over 150 different countries, but it also includes 4 (!) USB inputs for charging your mobile devices. Plus the design is super slick, one of the smallest adapters on the market.

Airline baggage fees are starting to get out of control. They want to charge you for EVERYTHING these days! To ensure you don’t get hit with paying extra, I always weigh my luggage with a portable luggage scale before checking in.

This way, you can pack your bags to the maximum weight limit every time without going over. This backlit scale from Tarriss is lightweight and portable, with the ability to weigh luggage in both kilos or pounds.

Unique Luxury Travel Gift Ideas

The Amazon Kindle probably doesn’t need an introduction. It’s the ideal gift for a bookworm or even those who like to read occasionally. Travelers like me love it due to its small size and long battery life.

The “Paperwhite” version allows you to easily read in the dark, plus there’s no glare from the sun when reading on a beach (unlike trying to read on your phone). You can fit thousands of books on it — a library in your hands. Excellent for flights and long bus rides.

The Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones are a frequent traveler’s best friend. Their advanced noise-canceling technology makes it feel like you’re all alone, even if you’re stuck on a packed airplane with crying babies!

Listen to your favorite music or podcasts wirelessly via Bluetooth, with deep bass and crystal clear highs. Control volume, ask Siri questions or take phone calls with the touch of a finger. Now that I own these, I’m not sure how I traveled previously without them!

While I started traveling as a budget backpacker 8 years ago, these days I’m older and a bit more fashion conscious. Especially in major international cities, or Europe. Packing a suit when you travel light is difficult, but not with the Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer.

This fashionable jacket is wrinkle-free and can be rolled up and packed away easily. But it also looks and fits great, featuring a bunch of hidden pockets that help with traveling! It’s perfect for flying, or when you need to dress-up on the road.

O’Douds Solid Cologne is an excellent product for men who want to smell nice while they’re traveling. Because it’s not a liquid, you can easily pack it carry-on too. Liquid cologne is packaged in large glass bottles, not exactly travel-friendly. Not this one!

The scent is crisp, musky, and masculine. Very strong stuff, a little dab will go a long way. Easily lasts all day. Smells better on you than in the tin — you need to give it a try.

Every man needs a good toiletry bag for their adventures around the world. This Veneto Leather Toiletry Kit is made with rich antique bridle leather. It’s durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet surfaces in hostel/hotel bathrooms.

The leather bag gives you plenty of room to pack everything the traveling man would need, plus gives you a little style bonus over a cheaper plastic toiletry kit. This is how I pack enough shaving cream to keep my head so shiny and clean!

Fun Travel Gifts For Women

Ok, I admit I’m not a woman. However, after consulting my professional traveler wife Anna Everywhere, she has recommended the following travel gifts for women — based on her own expertise and advice from her traveling friends.

Storing a few jewelry items when you travel can be a pain. Especially when it comes to earrings, many women complain about them breaking in their luggage. This pretty little Travel Jewelry Box from Vlando is perfect for your next journey.

Keep delicate and expensive jewelry items safe and secure in one place. It has room for earrings, rings, necklaces, and even bracelets. A super simple and compact design.

TUO stands for Travel Undergarment Organizer. Its purpose is to store anything travel-related, like socks, underwear, electronics, jewelry, or other loose items that some women tend to pack when they travel.

Staying organized when you’re off galavanting around the world is so much easier using this fun little bag. You can hang it from towel racks or doors and unfold it for full access to your stuff in hotels or bathrooms.

If you travel alone and worry about safety, check out this travel-friendly security door stop. The GE Security Door Stop Alarm requires no wires or complicated installation, powered by a single nine-volt battery.

Place the door-stop under your door before going to bed, and if someone tries to enter your hotel room during the night, this device blocks the door from opening. Plus its powerful 120db alarm wakes you up (along with everyone else nearby), scaring off any intruders!

Best Gifts For Outdoor Adventurers

A hammock is a great gift for travelers and backpackers. String it up in the woods or on the beach to relax and enjoy the view. I’ve even used my hammock on boats, between palm trees for beach naps, or as a comfortable swinging seat after a long hike.

The ENO DoubleNest Hammock is extremely strong, lightweight, and easy to pack, perfect for people who don’t want to waste space in their travel bag. Designed to hold up to 400 lbs, you’ll always have a place to sleep.

A good set of tools is always useful when you travel, but it’s not realistic to pack a whole toolbox. The Leatherman Wave is the next best thing. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task.

It includes 17 common tools, crammed into a simple compact package that can be opened and operated easily. Never be without a sharp knife, pliers, bottle opener, screwdriver, or scissors again! There’s also a smaller version called the Leatherman Squirt.

In my opinion, a headlamp is an absolutely essential piece of travel gear for adventure travelers. My favorite is the water-resistant Black Diamond Storm.

Headlamps give you hands-free access for reading a book in the dark, exploring a cave, returning from a hike after dark, or searching through your luggage in the middle of the night. It always comes in handy when I travel!

Every adventure traveler needs a packable microfiber towel because it has a million different uses. It folds up super small and dries very quickly. Perfect for camping, or even staying in hostels.

The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel comes in a few different colors and sizes. I’ve used it swimming in natural hot springs, to wipe down camera gear after a storm, and even as sun & dust protection in the desert.

Whether you want to take photos of yourself when traveling solo or capture the magic of the northern lights, a tripod is a necessary tool. The Joby GorillaPod is small enough to take anywhere and strong enough to hold larger cameras too.

It’s easily attached to different objects, so you can shoot photos from the side of a balcony or hanging off a tree. I’ll sometimes sneak it into “tripod restricted” areas like some cathedrals, monuments, or other attractions. It fits into a day pack easily.

One of my favorite pieces of camera gear, the Peak Design Camera Clip allows you to wear your camera on your belt, or on your backpack straps, keeping your hands free for other tasks. The camera adapter fits into most tripod heads too!

Clipping in and out of the device is very quick and easy. You can even run with your camera strapped to your belt wearing this thing. Never miss another shot due to messing around with a camera bag. It’s a fantastic accessory for those who go hiking with their camera.

Nothing is more annoying than a dirty lens when you’re trying to capture beautiful photos. A Camera Lens Pen is a dedicated cleaning solution for your camera lens, keeping travel shots crisp and in focus.

Smudges on a lens can distort light sources, create glare, and ruin shots. This is one of those products you can never have enough of. Small and easy to carry, it’s always good to have a few lying around.

Essential Books About Travel

The book Vagabonding is an excellent read about how to travel more, no matter what your budget or background. This book inspired me to take my first international trip!

Learn how to take a break from your normal life and travel for a few weeks, or even a few years, while experiencing the world on your own terms. Get ideas for how to make traveling long-term possible, from others who’ve done the same.

Ready to be inspired by other people’s travel stories? You can’t go wrong with a collection of The Best American Travel Writing Of 2018. Each year, the best of those stories are collected in this great series.

You’ll find stories about what it’s like to be an American on vacation in France, being black on the Appalachian trail, modern technology in Korea, and the food scene in Moscow. Stories were curated by Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild”.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Hmmmmm. Like for their luggage? I really don’t think it’s necessary to be honest, and kind of gimmicky. I’ve been traveling for the past 8 years, and airlines have only misplaced my bags 4 times, all showed up eventually. Usually the next day. A luggage tracking device isn’t practical in real-world situations.

Really nice list with some practical gadgets. I already own a lens pen and have to agree that it is really handy. Just bought the GoPro Hero 5 so the session would have to wait, but I think they really are planning to add some amazing additions in the next models. I really like the Domke camera bag, and need one desperately, so shall give it a go. Thanks

Right? It’s wonderful for travel, and helps save the environment (and your wallet) too. The plastic bottle situation is getting out of hand all over the world. Anything we can do to help reduce that waste is a good thing!

Some neat little gadgets here, thanks for sharing As a woman the little jewellery box would be a great travel accessory, as normally it gets dumped and carried around in one little pouch! I think the garment steamer would be a bit cumbersome to carry around though!

I am looking for travel gift:) thats mean cup which is possible to warm water or put soup to warm that things in every situation. For example I walk near seaside , is heavy rain, and I need sth warm I take cup and do sth warm to drink. with greetings

Honestly, a lot of those travel gifts for women really are great. Yes, they are archetypically female, but it sounds like he based the list on women he polled. Dare I say it was even “bold” for him to talk about the cup as a man. I’ll admit that a part of me did eyeroll that the adventure science book was in the male category. I think what some of the female readers were hoping to point out was that most of the items mentioned in the female section were pointedly appealing and useful to women alone, and none necessarily engaged the mind or body. While the male section, barring a few items, women would genuinely find equal interest in, so could have easily gone into the “everyone” section. Obviously this list is helpful and is meant with only good intention. Looks like most are taking it as such.

that water bottle looks like a real life saver. I have had some serious issues with water quality even where i live. Also that travel pillow is a new one for me, great stuff, will definitely look into getting of those… just need to make sure i don’t use it while driving… you never know.

I love that cork globe and a community member kindly bought it for me as a gift after I posted how cool it was on Facebook. It sits at my new apartment in Wellington and I need to figure out how to stick 70 pins into it now to mark the countries I’ve visited.

Okay I need to get a LifeStraw! It helps to cut down on the number of water bottles I buy on the road as well. I’d add the P-style for women adventurers – it allows us females to wee while standing, from a kayak, etc and it’s great for going off the beaten track.

Nice list of travel accessories, Matt. One thing I’m really looking forward to getting this year is the Pilot from Waverly Labs, an earpiece that translates foreign languages for you in real time. It sounds to-good-to-be-true, but the tech seems legit.

You have some great suggestions here! Love the life proof case and the eno hammock. As a female traveler, however, it was a bit disheartening to see your recommendations for women. While I’m sure this wasn’t your intention, it certainly perpetuates the stereotype that women travelers should be concerned with organizing jewelry and panties, wrinkle-free clothes, and personal security, while books about getting out of your comfort zone, games, and handy tools are recommended for men. It’d be awesome to see gifts such as these recommended for female travelers, too!

I was going to buy the JBL speaker you recommended on your ‘Gear’ page until seeing that you’ve recommended a different speaker here. As this content is more recent, can I assume you prefer the Sony to the JBL? Do you think it’s worth the extra weight?

Finding your site extremely useful in preparing for my upcoming travels so thanks a lot. Will make sure I use the affiliate links

Best Travel Gifts Under $100

A must-have for international travel to keep yourself safe from sickness. The LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle cleans up 99.9% of waterborne parasites & bacteria from water sources in countries where water quality can be an issue.

The 2nd stage activated carbon filter reduces odor, chlorine and leaves zero aftertastes too. I also use mine for hiking and camping in the wilderness! They have a minimalist version, for people who want to use their own container. Filters 1000 liters of water for a long life.

We all use our smartphones, cameras, and other portable gadgets a lot. There’s nothing worse than running low on power when you need it the most. For travelers, this can be an extra headache if your ticket confirmations, directions, or translation app lives on your phone.

The Anker PowerCore 10,000 is about the size of a credit card (just thicker) and can fully charge your smartphone up to 3 times! It has a smart quick-charge technology and is the smallest & most powerful power bank in its class. I also use mine to recharge cameras, my Kindle, and more.

Travel neck pillows are one of the most popular items to pack for long-haul flights. But many of them don’t live up to the job of supporting your neck comfortably. The Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow is crazy comfortable, packs down small, and holds your neck in an ergonomic position for sleeping.

I never fly without mine! I’ve tried every travel pillow there is, and this is the best. However if you’re looking for something that packs down even smaller, the TRTL Travel Pillow is pretty good too. It’s just not quite as comfortable as the Cabeau.

I love this thing! The Sony Bluetooth Speaker makes it easy to watch movies with other people on your laptop when traveling, throw an impromptu hostel party, or play your favorite songs on the beach.

There are a lot of Bluetooth speakers on the market, and I’ve tried many of them. The Sony simply has the best sound quality for its size, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours! The only downside is it isn’t waterproof, but I don’t physically sit in the ocean when I’m listening to it either…

Maybe not be something you actually bring with you traveling, a fun desk globe is a perfect accessory to show off inside the home of a travel addict. The Antique Ocean Desk Globe is a quirky conversation piece and wanderlust-inspiring planning tool for your next travel adventure.

Your favorite traveler can day-dream about exploring Africa, South America, Central Asia, or any other destination from the comfort of their desk at work or at home. I’m planning new adventures looking at this thing right now!

Gifts For Travelers Under $25

Have you ever found yourself in a situation when your suitcase was too heavy to check on a plane? Or you bought too many souvenirs and ran out of space? I have. That’s why these days I carry a packable duffel bag as a backup.

But that’s not its only use! You can use it as a makeshift beach bag, laundry bag, or grocery bag too. I also use it when I’m hiking & camping abroad, to help store extra gear/clothing in a hotel’s storage room, so I don’t have to bring everything into the mountains.

I listen to a lot of music and recently discovered incredible headphones that sound like they should cost 3x more. Whether you’re watching movies on flights, listing to podcasts, or relaxing with tropical tunes at the beach, SoundMagic’s E10 Headphones are truly “magic”.

The bass is excellent but not over-the-top, while the mids and highs make it feel like you’re listening to a live show! Plus the cord isn’t too long (I hate long cords) and it comes with a great little carrying case.

Unique Luxury Travel Gift Ideas

The Amazon Kindle probably doesn’t need an introduction. It’s the ideal gift for a bookworm or even those who like to read occasionally. Travelers like me love it due to its small size and long battery life.

The “Paperwhite” version allows you to easily read in the dark, plus there’s no glare from the sun when reading on a beach (unlike trying to read on your phone). You can fit thousands of books on it — a library in your hands. Excellent for flights and long bus rides.

The Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones are a frequent traveler’s best friend. Their advanced noise-canceling technology makes it feel like you’re all alone, even if you’re stuck on a packed airplane with crying babies!

Listen to your favorite music or podcasts wirelessly via Bluetooth, with deep bass and crystal clear highs. Control volume, ask Siri questions or take phone calls with the touch of a finger. Now that I own these, I’m not sure how I traveled previously without them!

O’Douds Solid Cologne is an excellent product for men who want to smell nice while they’re traveling. Because it’s not a liquid, you can easily pack it carry-on too. Liquid cologne is packaged in large glass bottles, not exactly travel-friendly. Not this one!

The scent is crisp, musky, and masculine. Very strong stuff, a little dab will go a long way. Easily lasts all day. Smells better on you than in the tin — you need to give it a try.

Every man needs a good toiletry bag for their adventures around the world. This Veneto Leather Toiletry Kit is made with rich antique bridle leather. It’s durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet surfaces in hostel/hotel bathrooms.

The leather bag gives you plenty of room to pack everything the traveling man would need, plus gives you a little style bonus over a cheaper plastic toiletry kit. This is how I pack enough shaving cream to keep my head so shiny and clean!

Fun Travel Gifts For Women

Ok, I admit I’m not a woman. However, after consulting my professional traveler wife Anna Everywhere, she has recommended the following travel gifts for women — based on her own expertise and advice from her traveling friends.

Storing a few jewelry items when you travel can be a pain. Especially when it comes to earrings, many women complain about them breaking in their luggage. This pretty little Travel Jewelry Box from Vlando is perfect for your next journey.

Keep delicate and expensive jewelry items safe and secure in one place. It has room for earrings, rings, necklaces, and even bracelets. A super simple and compact design.

TUO stands for Travel Undergarment Organizer. Its purpose is to store anything travel-related, like socks and panties, electronics and jewelry, or other loose items that women find necessary when they travel.

Staying organized when you’re off galavanting around the world is so much easier using this fun little bag. You can hang it from towel racks or doors and unfold for full access to your stuff in hotels or bathrooms.

If you travel alone and worry about safety, check out this travel-friendly security door stop. The GE Security Door Stop Alarm requires no wires or complicated installation, powered by a single nine-volt battery.

Place the door-stop under your door before going to bed, and if someone tries to enter your hotel room during the night, this device blocks the door from opening. Plus its powerful 120db alarm wakes you up (along with everyone else nearby), scaring off any intruders!

Best Gifts For Outdoor Adventurers

A hammock is a great gift for travelers and backpackers. String it up in the woods or on the beach to relax and enjoy the view. I’ve even used my hammock on boats, between palm trees for beach naps, or as a comfortable swinging seat after a long hike.

The ENO DoubleNest Hammock is extremely strong, lightweight, and easy to pack, perfect for people who don’t want to waste space in their travel bag. Designed to hold up to 400 lbs, you’ll always have a place to sleep.

A good set of tools is always useful when you travel, but it’s not realistic to pack a whole tool box. The Leatherman Wave is the next best thing. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task.

It includes 17 common tools, crammed into a simple compact package that can be opened and operated easily. Never be without a sharp knife, pliers, bottle opener, screwdriver, or scissors again! There’s also a smaller version called the Leatherman Squirt.

Gifts For Travel Photographers

Whether you want to take photos of yourself when traveling solo or capture the magic of the northern lights, a tripod is a necessary tool. The Joby GorillaPod Focus is small enough to take anywhere and strong enough to hold larger cameras too.

It’s easily attached to different objects, so you can shoot photos from the side of a balcony or hanging off a tree. I’ll sometimes sneak it into “tripod restricted” areas like some cathedrals, monuments, or other attractions. It fits into a day pack easily.

What I love most about Domke Camera Bags is the minimal padding they have. Most companies go overboard with heavy padding, but not Domke. The tough waxed canvas is super durable, protects against light rain, and still has a classic “travel reporter” look.

It’s the perfect size for holding a mirrorless camera, 2nd lens, and a few accessories. There’s a thick belt-loop too, for carrying it fanny-pack style, or even attaching it to a larger backpack’s waist belt when hiking outdoors.

One of my favorite pieces of camera gear, the Peak Design Camera Clip allows you to wear your camera on your belt, keeping your hands free for other tasks when not shooting photos. Fits into most tripod heads too! No need to remove it.

Clipping in and out of the device is incredibly quick and easy. You can even run with your camera strapped to your belt wearing this thing. Never miss another shot due to messing around with a camera bag. It’s a fantastic accessory for those who often go hiking with their camera.

Nothing is more annoying than a dirty lens when you’re trying to capture beautiful photos. A Camera Lens Pen is a dedicated cleaning solution for your camera lens, keeping travel shots crisp and in focus.

Smudges on a lens can distort light sources, create glare, and ruin shots. This is one of those products you can never have enough of. Small and easy to carry, it’s always good to have a few lying around.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

There are around 37,000 yacht crew members employed on the 6,000+ superyachts around the world. And that doesn’t even count the smaller yachts and sailboats out there too.

I’ve worked in the yachting industry on and off for almost a decade while traveling on my own in the off periods. Yachting helped me travel the world both on and off the boats, “living the dream” as they say.

I initially worked as a stewardess, then began taking jobs as a chef after finishing culinary courses at the Culinary Institute of America, to increase my earning potential.

After learning the ropes on sailing yachts, I also worked as a deckhand on the racing yachts Wild Wings and White Horses, a pair of 76’ modern classic rig sloops in the W class out of Newport, R.I.

Eventually, I also got my Captain’s License and Master of Yachts 200T certification with a sailing endorsement. So this is an industry I know very well!

Getting into the yachting industry is all about being in the right place at the right time. You won’t find a job from your computer at home — you gotta get out there and pound the pavement.

But chances are, if you’re dreaming of a life working on mega-yachts, the ability to travel is one of the main attractions. And it’s a fantastic perk!

Katie Working as a Yachtie

Yacht Job Benefits

You don’t have to pay rent when you work & live on boats, and your food is included too, so you can really save a lot of money. But many yachties get lost in the endless party lifestyle and waste their income.

Save your money, and when you’re done, you should have a nice nest-egg.

Another huge benefit is the ability to travel. Hopping around beautiful islands of the Caribean and Mediterranean, and while working most of the time, it’s possible to escape and enjoy these locations during time off.

Many people use the good money they save while working “in-season” to travel for fun in the off-season.

How Much Can You Make?

Inexperienced yacht crew working as deckhands or stewardesses can earn between $2000-3000 a month. With more experience and higher positions, your salary can be between $3500-$6000 a month.

On charter trips, guests typically tip 5% – 15% of the weekly charter fee, which is split between crew members. This can mean another $1000 per person, per week, in tips.

Yacht Crew Positions

Deckhand

As a deckhand, you generally clean and wash the exterior of the boat. You drive the tender (smaller boat that ferries back and forth between the yacht and dock). You take out the garbage, change light bulbs, do maintenance on the tender outboard engine when it needs it, clean the winches, etc.

If you work on a sailboat, there’s a lot more to learn about all the rigging & sails, but that can be done if you’re interested.

Stewardess

As a steward or stewardess, you’re generally on duty in the interior of the boat, as a waitress, a maid, a laundress, sometimes a nanny. You work with the chef to see that dinner happens in a fluid way. You work with the deck crew to plan the guests’ daily outings and pack their day bags.

Chef

Most yachts have a chef, and they are well paid, but you will need some prior cooking knowledge & skills. The larger the yacht, the more formal the expectations and entry requirements will be (like experience cooking at high-end restaurants or a cooking degree).

Other Positions

These other yacht jobs are not entry-level. You generally need to work as a deckhand or stewardess first — and need a lot more specialized training too. But you also make a lot more money.

USEFUL TIP: I always loved working as a deckhand, even though it was kind of the ‘man’s zone.’ The pay is better as a chef on white boats (motor yachts) though, so I often switched back and forth taking some jobs for money and some for fun.

Working as a Yacht Chef

Working On Yachts: A Typical Day

On Charter

When the yacht owners are on-board, or other people have chartered (aka rented) out your boat for a holiday, you are “on charter.”

Being on charter means you don’t leave the boat, you can’t drink alcohol, you keep to your work duties, and otherwise stay inside your cabin.

You are room service, the bellman, the front desk, their personal attendants, their laundress (washing clothes), sometimes their masseuse, taxi driver, waiter, chef, etc. Get the point?

When the guests or owners are off the boat, maybe sight-seeing in town or at the beach — it’s time to clean, turn the cabins, iron sheets, stock the drinks fridge, etc. Preparing for their return.

If guests stay up late drinking, you take turns with other crew members to wait on them and bartend as late as the last guest.

The yacht’s chef will be up at 5am to start pressing oranges for freshly squeezed juice at breakfast, and with the steward(ess), will set up the breakfast buffet.

When guests leave their cabins for breakfast, stews (aka stewards/stewardesses) clean their rooms, make beds, and prepare day bags for whatever the guests would like to do that day.

It’s a long hard run of working when you’re on charter. However, if the guests are not the owners of the yacht, often there will be a decent tip at the end of the trip.

Between Charters

Some boats charter (are available for rent) and others do not. If you want to work hard and earn more money, I recommend working on a boat that charters.

If you want to sit back and relax more and take a regular salary, choose a boat that doesn’t offer charters.

When you aren’t on charter, you essentially work a regular 9-5 job, just in some exotic location. The chef cooks a few meals for the crew so you’re taken care of.

Your job is to do general maintenance and upkeep work on the boat (there’s a lot) and are done around 4pm or 5pm each day, with days off.

Yacht Crew Training

How Much Does It Cost To Get Started?

To get started working on a yacht, all you need is a plane ticket to one of the international hubs, 2-3 months worth of cash to feed and house yourself while you find your first job, and $1000 – $1200 for a yacht training course or two.

Yacht Training Courses

STCW’2010 (previously STCW‘95) is not a regulatory requirement to work on yachts, but it’s becoming an un-official requirement from Captains and owners for safety and insurance reasons.

Investing in this course is also a sign of your commitment, and will improve your chances of getting hired for your first job.

The STCW’2010 course is a week long and costs about $1000 depending on the country. You learn the basics of safety at sea, and it’s actually a lot fun!

At IYT in Ft. Lauderdale, where I went, you’ll wear real firefighting suits complete with oxygen masks and fight REAL fires on a fake ship and then use survival suits, inflate an emergency raft and jump into a pool. Quite memorable!

To boost your resume and improve your odds over other green (in-experienced) yacht job hunters, consider taking a separate Marine Engineering course for deckhands, or the Silver Service course for working as a steward(ess).

Yacht Training Resources

Where To Find Yacht Jobs?

Location is everything in this business. Yachts move around the globe seasonally like migrating birds, chasing the best weather.

There are only a handful of international yachting hubs, and if you want a job, you need to spend time in one of these locations. Ideally 1-2 months.

Winter Season: The Caribbean

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is America’s capital of yachting, and they kick off the winter season with the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show usually scheduled around October 1 each year.

If this is your season or location of choice, plan to be there in September and have your STCW course done so you’re ready to walk the docks and hand out resumes during the boat show buzz.

Ft. Lauderdale is a decent place to look for work in the winter, but if you don’t have a job by December and want a change of scenery, you can fly down to English Harbour, Antigua or Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (a larger community) and you might be able to snag a job for a holiday trip.

Summer Season: Mediterranean & New England

Most yachts leave the Caribbean in the summer months because of hurricane risk, and because it’s too hot.

Which is perfect because the Mediterranean and New England are wonderful in the summer and host all sorts of mega-yacht races for the sailing elite.

Summer season in the Med (yachtie slang for Mediterranean) begins in May as most of the boats are crossing the Atlantic in April.

The center of the Mediterranean yachting industry is Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Antibes, France is also a hub for sailboats, but it’s a bit smaller.

In the United States, the New England area has a smaller yachting scene, made up of smaller boats and more sailing oriented. Your best bet to find crew jobs here is Newport, Rhode Island.

Visas & Immigration Advice

Always check visa and entry requirements for any country you’re visiting. Depending on your nationality, the laws will be different.

Generally, Americans visiting Europe get 3 months visa-free travel, while Europeans get 6 months in the U.S.

When you fly into a country, make sure you have proof of ties back home, an income source or job that demonstrates you don’t have plans to stay forever.

While looking for yacht jobs on a foreign-flagged vessel in America is not technically illegal, it’s frowned upon and not something you want to tell immigration officers.

Don’t keep evidence of yacht job hunting with you nor electronically when you fly into America. It doesn’t have to be illegal to get you sent home!

Another immigration rule to be aware of, when flying into St Maarten you can’t arrive on a one-way ticket. The notorious “proof of onward travel rule“.

If you are flying into the country to join a boat you’ve already been hired for, the Captain will help you arrange all necessary B1/B2 visas for America, or whatever country, which you’ll show at customs.

If you’re European, Australian, Kiwi or South African or any other nationality, keep in mind that the Jones Act in America limits employment on U.S. flagged vessels to Americans.

This doesn’t mean it isn’t worth going to Florida though, there are tons of foreign-flagged vessels to make the job prospects real. And many American owners register their boats offshore, for tax reasons.

Time to Hit the Docks!

Informal Networking For Yacht Jobs

Make sure you stay in/on the right part of the island or city you choose to base yourself. As close to the marina as possible.

If you see the line drawing of a yacht on someone’s shirt, and they’re wearing khaki shorts and flip-flops, they probably work on a yacht — go talk to them!

Sailors are drinkers, so don’t be afraid to hit the local sailing bars!

Yachting is one of the oldest industries in the world and still runs largely in a social context — the more people you meet, the better your chances.

Crew housing is always a good place to meet other crew and hear about new jobs and day work.

There are crew-specific hostels too, so ask around, some hostels are regular pick-up spots for day-work. If you sit out front every morning at 8am… Mates and Captains often stop by looking for day workers.

Yacht Day Work

What is day work? Work one day, get paid in cash. Simple. It’s a great way to earn a bit of extra cash and network with other yachties! Day work can often turn into a full-time crew position.

What will you do day-working? Clean. And if you want to keep getting work, clean with a level of perfection you never dreamed possible. If you’re in the interior, think maid on speed. Use toothpicks, q-tips, soft scrub, whatever is necessary to make every nook and cranny sparkling clean.

If you’re on the exterior, expect the same detail and attention, but with boats you’ll have to dry everything you wash. Chamois chamois chamois! (Pronounced shammy; if you don’t know what it is… you soon will!)

Working With Crew Agents

There are probably 30 crew agencies between Palma and Ft. Lauderdale, dozens of Facebook groups, social media and online sources. They help boat owners find crew.

It’s a good idea to register yourself with as many crew agencies as possible. Exposure is key. The first job could come from anywhere.

When meeting with crew agents and interviewing with captains, be sure to iron your clothes, have groomed hair, be clean, awake and presentable.

Working for mega-wealthy yacht owners means you must be presentable and dress conservatively.

Popular Yacht Crew Agencies

Motor Yachts VS Sailing Yachts

You don’t actually have to be a sailor to work on a sailing yacht (especially if you work the interior), but you have to be willing to learn.

There will be more to your boat, in rigging, maintenance, and sailing. Some find it fun, while others find it intimidating. You must see if it suits your passion.

Pay can be higher on motor yachts, but not always. My advice, work a year on both and see which you prefer.

Sailboats tend to have a more relaxed vibe. From the cities sailboats tend to dock in, to the captains and the owners who have a passion for the sport. The joy of sailing is what draws them all together.

Sailing is a sport, a hobby, and a lifestyle.

Whereas “white boats” (motor yachts) tend to be a bit more status oriented and have higher standards of service from their crew. These boats are a status symbol, they are essentially a private floating resort.

They want the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Having staff at the beck and call of all their personal whims is what the ultra-wealthy one-percenters are all about. You have to be ready to suck it up, put your ego away, and be a servant.

But if you can fit the persona of a servant when guests or owners are on board (which is usually only 2-8 weeks per year), and you can clean like a maniac, you will make great income traveling the world on mega yachts.

Living The Yachting Life

The sea will forever be a part of my soul, and sailing through those starry nights with a 360-degree horizon is a meditative place I return to. I have been forever changed by my time at sea.

I have young kids now so it’s not possible to leave for weeks on end. But once they are older I will take them sailing, and cross oceans once again.

The sea calls me back. And I hear the call.

Working on yachts can give you an exotic life of adventure, world travel, beautiful beaches, and a glimpse of what luxury living is like… all with a pretty damn good salary.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

There are around 37,000 yacht crew members employed on the 6,000+ superyachts around the world. And that doesn’t even count the smaller yachts and sailboats out there too.

I’ve worked in the yachting industry on and off for almost a decade while traveling on my own in the off periods. Yachting helped me travel the world both on and off the boats, “living the dream” as they say.

I initially worked as a stewardess, then began taking jobs as a chef after finishing culinary courses at the Culinary Institute of America, to increase my earning potential.

After learning the ropes on sailing yachts, I also worked as a deckhand on the racing yachts Wild Wings and White Horses, a pair of 76’ modern classic rig sloops in the W class out of Newport, R.I.

Eventually, I also got my Captain’s License and Master of Yachts 200T certification with a sailing endorsement. So this is an industry I know very well!

Getting into the yachting industry is all about being in the right place at the right time. You won’t find a job from your computer at home — you gotta get out there and pound the pavement.

But chances are, if you’re dreaming of a life working on mega-yachts, the ability to travel is one of the main attractions. And it’s a fantastic perk!

Katie Working as a Yachtie

Yacht Job Benefits

You don’t have to pay rent when you work & live on boats, and your food is included too, so you can really save a lot of money. But many yachties get lost in the endless party lifestyle and waste their income.

Save your money, and when you’re done, you should have a nice nest-egg.

Another huge benefit is the ability to travel. Hopping around beautiful islands of the Caribean and Mediterranean, and while working most of the time, it’s possible to escape and enjoy these locations during time off.

Many people use the good money they save while working “in-season” to travel for fun in the off-season.

How Much Can You Make?

Inexperienced yacht crew working as deckhands or stewardesses can earn between $2000-3000 a month. With more experience and higher positions, your salary can be between $3500-$6000 a month.

On charter trips, guests typically tip 5% – 15% of the weekly charter fee, which is split between crew members. This can mean another $1000 per person, per week, in tips.

Yacht Crew Positions

Deckhand

As a deckhand, you generally clean and wash the exterior of the boat. You drive the tender (smaller boat that ferries back and forth between the yacht and dock). You take out the garbage, change light bulbs, do maintenance on the tender outboard engine when it needs it, clean the winches, etc.

If you work on a sailboat, there’s a lot more to learn about all the rigging & sails, but that can be done if you’re interested.

Stewardess

As a steward or stewardess, you’re generally on duty in the interior of the boat, as a waitress, a maid, a laundress, sometimes a nanny. You work with the chef to see that dinner happens in a fluid way. You work with the deck crew to plan the guests daily outings and pack their day bags.

Chef

Most yachts have a chef, and they are well paid, but you will need some prior cooking knowledge & skills. The larger the yacht, the more formal the expectations and entry requirements will be (like experience cooking at high-end restaurants or a cooking degree).

Other Positions

These other yacht jobs are not entry-level. You generally need to work as a deckhand or stewardess first — and need a lot more specialized training too. But you also make a lot more money.

USEFUL TIP: I always loved working as a deckhand, even though it was kind of the ‘man’s zone.’ The pay is better as a chef on white boats (motor yachts) though, so I often switched back and forth taking some jobs for money and some for fun.

Working as a Yacht Chef

Working On Yachts: A Typical Day

On Charter

When the yacht owners are on-board, or other people have chartered (aka rented) out your boat for a holiday, you are “on charter.”

Being on charter means you don’t leave the boat, you can’t drink alcohol, you keep to your work duties, and otherwise stay inside your cabin.

You are room service, the bellman, the front desk, their personal attendants, their laundress (washing clothes), sometimes their masseuse, taxi driver, waiter, chef, etc. Get the point?

When the guests or owners are off the boat, maybe sight-seeing in town or at the beach — it’s time to clean, turn the cabins, iron sheets, stock the drinks fridge, etc. Preparing for their return.

If guests stay up late drinking, you take turns with other crew members to wait on them and bartend as late as the last guest.

The yacht’s chef will be up at 5am to start pressing oranges for freshly squeezed juice at breakfast, and with the steward(ess), will set up the breakfast buffet.

When guests leave their cabins for breakfast, stews (aka stewards/stewardesses) clean their rooms, make beds, and prepare day bags for whatever the guests would like to do that day.

It’s a long hard run of working when you’re on charter. However, if the guests are not the owners of the yacht, often there will be a decent tip at the end of the trip.

Between Charters

Some boats charter (are available for rent) and others do not. If you want to work hard and earn more money, I recommend working on a boat that charters.

If you want to sit back and relax more and take a regular salary, choose a boat that doesn’t offer charters.

When you aren’t on charter, you essentially work a regular 9-5 job, just in some exotic location. The chef cooks a few meals for the crew so you’re taken care of.

Your job is to do general maintenance and upkeep work on the boat (there’s a lot) and are done around 4pm or 5pm each day, with days off.

Yacht Crew Training

How Much Does It Cost To Get Started?

To get started working on a yacht, all you need is a plane ticket to one of the international hubs, 2-3 months worth of cash to feed and house yourself while you find your first job, and $1000 – $1200 for a yacht training course or two.

Yacht Training Courses

STCW’2010 (previously STCW‘95) is not a regulatory requirement to work on yachts, but it’s becoming an un-official requirement from Captains and owners for safety and insurance reasons.

Investing in this course is also a sign of your commitment, and will improve your chances of getting hired for your first job.

The STCW’2010 course is a week long and costs about $1000 depending on the country. You learn the basics of safety at sea, and it’s actually a lot fun!

At IYT in Ft. Lauderdale, where I went, you’ll wear real firefighting suits complete with oxygen masks and fight REAL fires on a fake ship and then use survival suits, inflate an emergency raft and jump into a pool. Quite memorable!

To boost your resume and improve your odds over other green (in-experienced) yacht job hunters, consider taking a separate Marine Engineering course for deckhands, or the Silver Service course for working as a steward(ess).

Yacht Training Resources

Where To Find Yacht Jobs?

Location is everything in this business. Yachts move around the globe seasonally like migrating birds, chasing the best weather.

There are only a handful of international yachting hubs, and if you want a job, you need to spend time in one of these locations. Ideally 1-2 months.

Winter Season: The Caribbean

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is America’s capital of yachting, and they kick off the winter season with the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show usually scheduled around October 1 each year.

If this is your season or location of choice, plan to be there in September and have your STCW course done so you’re ready to walk the docks and hand out resumes during the boat show buzz.

Ft. Lauderdale is a decent place to look for work in the winter, but if you don’t have a job by December and want a change of scenery, you can fly down to English Harbour, Antigua or Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (a larger community) and you might be able to snag a job for a holiday trip.

Summer Season: Mediterranean & New England

Most yachts leave the Caribbean in the summer months because of hurricane risk, and because it’s too hot.

Which is perfect because the Mediterranean and New England are wonderful in the summer and host all sorts of mega-yacht races for the sailing elite.

Summer season in the Med (yachtie slang for Mediterranean) begins in May as most of the boats are crossing the Atlantic in April.

The center of the Mediterranean yachting industry is Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Antibes, France is also a hub for sailboats, but it’s a bit smaller.

In the United States, the New England area has a smaller yachting scene, made up of smaller boats and more sailing oriented. Your best bet to find crew jobs here is Newport, Rhode Island.

Visas & Immigration Advice

Always check visa and entry requirements for any country you’re visiting. Depending on your nationality, the laws will be different.

Generally, Americans visiting Europe get 3 months visa-free travel, while Europeans get 6 months in the U.S.

When you fly into a country, make sure you have proof of ties back home, an income source or job that demonstrates you don’t have plans to stay forever.

While looking for yacht jobs on a foreign-flagged vessel in America is not technically illegal, it’s frowned upon and not something you want to tell immigration officers.

Don’t keep evidence of yacht job hunting with you nor electronically when you fly into America. It doesn’t have to be illegal to get you sent home!

Another immigration rule to be aware of, when flying into St Maarten you can’t arrive on a one-way ticket. The notorious “proof of onward travel rule“.

If you are flying into the country to join a boat you’ve already been hired for, the Captain will help you arrange all necessary B1/B2 visas for America, or whatever country, which you’ll show at customs.

If you’re European, Australian, Kiwi or South African or any other nationality, keep in mind that the Jones Act in America limits employment on U.S. flagged vessels to Americans.

This doesn’t mean it isn’t worth going to Florida though, there are tons of foreign-flagged vessels to make the job prospects real. And many American owners register their boats offshore, for tax reasons.

Time to Hit the Docks!

Informal Networking For Yacht Jobs

Make sure you stay in/on the right part of the island or city you choose to base yourself. As close to the marina as possible.

If you see the line drawing of a yacht on someone’s shirt, and they’re wearing khaki shorts and flip-flops, they probably work on a yacht — go talk to them!

Sailors are drinkers, so don’t be afraid to hit the local sailing bars!

Yachting is one of the oldest industries in the world and still runs largely in a social context — the more people you meet, the better your chances.

Crew housing is always a good place to meet other crew and hear about new jobs and day work.

There are crew-specific hostels too, so ask around, some hostels are regular pick-up spots for day-work. If you sit out front every morning at 8am… Mates and Captains often stop by looking for day workers.

Yacht Day Work

What is day work? Work one day, get paid in cash. Simple. It’s a great way to earn a bit of extra cash and network with other yachties! Day work can often turn into a full-time crew position.

What will you do day-working? Clean. And if you want to keep getting work, clean with a level of perfection you never dreamed possible. If you’re in the interior, think maid on speed. Use toothpicks, q-tips, soft scrub, whatever is necessary to make every nook and cranny sparkling clean.

If you’re on the exterior, expect the same detail and attention, but with boats you’ll have to dry everything you wash. Chamois chamois chamois! (Pronounced shammy; if you don’t know what it is… you soon will!)

Working With Crew Agents

There are probably 30 crew agencies between Palma and Ft. Lauderdale, dozens of Facebook groups, social media and online sources. They help boat owners find crew.

It’s a good idea to register yourself with as many crew agencies as possible. Exposure is key. The first job could come from anywhere.

When meeting with crew agents and interviewing with captains, be sure to iron your clothes, have groomed hair, be clean, awake and presentable.

Working for mega-wealthy yacht owners means you must be presentable and dress conservatively.

Popular Yacht Crew Agencies

Motor Yachts VS Sailing Yachts

You don’t actually have to be a sailor to work on a sailing yacht (especially if you work the interior), but you have to be willing to learn.

There will be more to your boat, in rigging, maintenance, and sailing. Some find it fun, while others find it intimidating. You must see if it suits your passion.

Pay can be higher on motor yachts, but not always. My advice, work a year on both and see which you prefer.

Sailboats tend to have a more relaxed vibe. From the cities sailboats tend to dock in, to the captains and the owners who have a passion for the sport. The joy of sailing is what draws them all together.

Sailing is a sport, a hobby, and a lifestyle.

Whereas “white boats” (motor yachts) tend to be a bit more status oriented and have higher standards of service from their crew. These boats are a status symbol, they are essentially a private floating resort.

They want the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Having staff at the beck and call of all their personal whims is what the ultra-wealthy one-percenters are all about. You have to be ready to suck it up, put your ego away, and be a servant.

But if you can fit the persona of a servant when guests or owners are on board (which is usually only 2-8 weeks per year), and you can clean like a maniac, you will make great income traveling the world on mega yachts.

Ready To Start Working On Yachts?

The sea will forever be a part of my soul, and sailing through those starry nights with a 360-degree horizon is a meditative place I return to. I have been forever changed by my time at sea.

I have young kids now so it’s not possible to leave for weeks on end. But once they are older I will take them sailing, and cross oceans once again.

The sea calls me back. And I hear the call.

Working on yachts can give you an exotic life of adventure, world travel, beautiful beaches, and a glimpse of what luxury living is like… all with a pretty damn good salary.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Island Hopping On Oahu & Kauai With Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaii, United States

The aloha spirit is alive and well on the tropical islands of Hawai’i. With delicious food, cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures — there’s something for everyone in the rainbow state.

Hawai’i and I go way back. Back to my college days, when I took a break from school and moved to Honolulu to become a beach bum. I lived in Waikiki for a year, and had such a great time!

Days were dedicated to surfing and hiking, while nights were spent working the front desk of an international backpacker’s hostel.

Temporarily living in Hawaii, I was able to experience ho’okipa — Hawaiian hospitality. I also fell in love with the state’s natural beauty. So many epic beaches, jungles, mountains, waterfalls, and waves to explore!

Even though I no longer call Hawaii home, I return every chance I get.

Aloha from Hawaii!

Flying With Hawaiian Airlines

To kick off the adventure in style, we flew Hawaiian Airlines first class from Los Angeles to Honolulu on the A330. I don’t fly first-class often, but it definitely helps with getting some good sleep on overseas flights.

Especially with lie-flat seats like the ones we had on this trip! As a side-sleeper, the ability to stretch out makes a HUGE difference in whether I get any sleep on a plane.

Free mai-tais and tasty Hawaiian-inspired meals prepared us for the start of our island hopping journey on both Oahu and Kauai.

In July, Hawaiian re-launched their Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. It offers 30,000 bonus miles to new cardmembers after their first purchase, no foreign transaction fees, first checked bag free, and an annual $100 companion ticket discount on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

It’s a great way to earn miles towards free Hawaiian Airlines flights with 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x miles on gas/groceries/dining, and 1x miles on all other purchases using the card.

Breakfast With a View

Longboarding on Oahu

Exploring Waikiki

Our first stop in Hawaii was the island of Oahu, and the capital city of Honolulu. We stayed at the beautiful new Ritz Carlton in Waikiki.

Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood has some of the most famous beaches in the world, and it’s where most tourists stay during their first trip to Hawaii.

Waikiki is also where I learned to surf many years ago, just beyond the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, known as Hawaii’s father of modern surfing.

The area is home to many high-rise hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. One restaurant you shouldn’t miss is Roy’s Waikiki.

Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Water Biking Around the Lagoon

Hilton Hawaiian Village

It’s said the Duke himself learned how to surf the same waves in front of where the Hilton Hawaiian Village now stands. This slice of pristine white sand is full of history, and a fun sunbathing beach in Waikiki.

Along with the awesome beach, there’s also Kahanamoku Lagoon which is open to the public for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Anna and I rented a water bike and paddled around the calm lagoon soaking up the sun.

Every Friday night, the hotel launches an awesome free fireworks display around 8pm. The best place to watch is from the lagoon, where fireworks explode right over your head!

Ma’o Organic Farms

Making Hawaii Self-Sufficient

Ma’o Organic Farms

Maʻo Organic Farms is based in Wai’anae on the west coast of Oahu. We visited to learn how they are growing sustainable, organic produce for some of Hawaii’s best restaurants — and giving back to the community in the form of college scholarships for local students who volunteer there.

Before Europeans landed in 1778, the Hawaiian Kingdom (with a population of up to 1 million) was self-sufficient at producing its own food supply using a sustainable agricultural system called ahupua’a.

These days Hawaii basically imports about 80% of its food from elsewhere, and being so remote, it’s very expensive to ship it there. For example, a gallon of milk can run $7!

There’s been a growing movement on the islands to produce more food locally, and small farms like Ma’o are teaching a new generation how to grow sustainable agriculture as their ancestors did.

History of the Aloha Shirt

Reyn Spooner Hawaiian Shirts

Aloha Shirt Fridays

Do you know the history of the Hawaiian shirt (aka aloha shirt)? It all started back in the 1920’s, when clothing manufacturers from Honolulu’s Chinatown started making colorful, gaudy shirts out of Japanese silk kimono material.

Eventually, in the 1930’s, aloha shirts were mass-produced for tourists, worn after a day at the beach in Waikiki, and taken home as souvenirs. In the 1940’s, some local companies began allowing employees to wear more relaxed clothing during the hottest months of the year.

Then came “Aloha Fridays” in the 1960’s. Wearing aloha shirts was typical business attire on Fridays all over Hawaii.

One of the most famous Hawaiian shirt makers is Reyn Spooner. We toured their offices and learned how they make these iconic shirts from scratch (and, I happen to be wearing mine right now as I type this).

Hawaiian Pupus Appetizers

Roasted Kalua Pig

Koko Head Cafe

If you’re looking for a good bite to eat in Honolulu, you need to visit Koko Head Cafe for their famous brunches. Chef Lee Anne Wong is an executive chef for Hawaiian Airlines, overseeing the airline’s in-flight meal program.

You may also recognize her as a contestant on Bravo’s popular reality show, Top Chef. Chef Wong prepared us a huge assortment of Hawaiian dishes, from raw fish pupus (bite-size appetizers) to slow-roasted Kalua pig.

Searching for King Kong!

Jurassic World Set at Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000 acre Private Nature Reserve and cattle ranch that’s open to the public on the East coast of Oahu.

The area is made up of jagged green mountain ridges and a series of three lush valleys, an ancient and sacred training ground for Hawaiian royalty in the art of war & history.

Because of its incredible natural beauty, Kualoa has been the backdrop for countless Hollywood movies and TV shows like Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Kong: Skull Island, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Jumanji, LOST, and more!

We spent an afternoon touring the ranch in the back of a 4×4 truck, checking out all the famous movie set locations. Like the Indominus Rex padlock from Jurassic World!

My favorite stop was probably the giant ape “graveyard” from Kong: Skull Island. Massive and realistic-painted bones made of foam were scattered about under tall green cliffs.

Making Traditional Poke

Tasty Poke Bowl with Seaweed!

Learning How To Make Poke

One day for lunch, we learned how to make fresh ahi-tuna poke with Foodland Supermarket’s corporate chef Keoni Chang.

Poke is raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine, and sometimes as a main course with rice.

There are many different ways to make poke, but I think the traditional style was my favorite. Chunks of raw ahi-tuna, seaweed, sea salt, and crushed Kukui nuts.

Koloa Rum Tasting Room

Hawaiian Rum Tasting

Hawaii has a long history of sugar cane production, first initiated by ancient Polynesian voyagers during their migration from the South Pacific. The first commercial sugar production began in 1935, and with it, the first batches of Hawaiian Rum.

After jumping on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Oahu to Kauai, one of our first stops on the Garden Island was a free rum tasting session at Koloa Rum, located at the old Kilohana Plantation in Lihue.

Dark rum, spiced rum, coconut rum — we learned which types of rums pair best with different mixers, or on their own. Koloa Rum is distilled twice using a vintage 1,210-gallon copper-pot still from 1947 with a copper column and condenser.

The Grand Hyatt Resort Kauai

Anna Chillin’ at the Lazy River

Grand Hyatt Kauai

Checking into the Grand Hyatt Resort on Kauai was quite a treat… this place was stunning. Set right on the beach, with flowers and palm trees in all directions. It has its own lazy river, waterslides, and a salt-water lagoon.

Anna and I learned how to make traditional Hawaiian flower “leis”, attended a luau with traditional hula dancing and mountains of poi, and spent time floating down the lazy river to relax and cool off in the tropical heat.

Cliff Jumping in Kauai

Shipwrecks Beach

Shipwrecks Beach

Right next to the Grand Hyatt there is a public beach called Shipwrecks, a local favorite for surfing and body surfing. The waves can get quite big, and break close to the shore, so it’s usually not the best beach for swimming — but fun for watching the locals brave the massive water.

If you’re REALLY brave (or stupid?), there’s a large 40-foot cliff on the North side of the beach that can be fun for cliff jumping!

You can access the cliffs from a trail at the end of the beach, but after you jump it’s a long swim back into the shore (through those huge waves).

I leaped from the cliff a few times, but landed wrong once, leaving my ribs bruised enough I thought I’d broken one. Jump at your own risk!

There are sea turtles that swim below the cliffs too, landing on one could end badly for both of you…

Hiking Waimea Canyon on Kauai

Get Closer To Hawaii Every Day

Well, I hope I’ve inspired you to visit Hawaii soon (like you didn’t already need another reason)! These pacific islands are incredibly beautiful, diverse, and full of memorable things to do on your vacation.

And if you’re interested in collecting miles & points for a free flight to Hawaii, make sure to check out the all new Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard issued by Barclays Bank and get closer to your goal every day.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 8 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and useful tips from my journey.

Photography Gear Review

Drones are incredible tools for capturing photography & video from a totally different perspective. The new DJI Mavic 2 Pro boasts a very powerful camera in a small, travel-friendly package.

It’s finally here! The perfect flying camera that travel photographers like me have been dreaming of. A drone that’s both small enough to fold up into a backpack, yet powerful enough to capture high-end images and pristine 4k video.

With the new Mavic 2 Pro, DJI has managed the impossible, sticking a giant 20mp, 1-inch sensor Hasselblad camera onto a compact drone full of high-tech sensors to avoid crashing into things.

This new Mavic flies longer, faster, farther than ever before too.

I spent a week in Iceland flying the Mavic 2 Pro around the Highlands, exploring beautiful canyons, driving through rivers, and hiking with it in the mountains.

Small & Lightweight Design

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Review

The Mavic 2 Pro has been improved in all sorts of ways over the original Mavic 1. The batteries are larger, resulting in longer flight time.

The motors are bigger, allowing it to fly faster and power through strong winds. The gimbal is tougher, smoother, and the whole drone is more aerodynamic.

But it’s the large square Hasselblad camera that really stands out.

The Mavic 2 Pro comes equipped with a professional 1-inch camera sensor, just like the much larger Phantom 4 Pro, yet it’s over a pound lighter than the later, and packs down MUCH smaller, to about the size of a Nalgene water bottle.

Another big change with the Mavic 2 is its new omnidirectional obstacle sensing through the use of 10 different sensors that help you avoid obstacles in almost all directions.

Sensors look now look forward, backward, above, below, and to the sides — improving the drone’s ability to avoid crashing.